Avery Brooks is an American actor, director, and educator, best known for his role as Captain Benjamin Sisko in the television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. He was born on October 2, 1948, in Evansville, Indiana, and has had a diverse career in theater, television, and film. In addition to his acting career, Brooks is also a talented musician and has performed in various musical productions. He has received critical acclaim for his work and is recognized for his contributions to the arts, particularly in the realm of African American representation in media.