Kevin Arkadie, the acclaimed American television producer known for co-creating the groundbreaking police drama “New York Undercover” with Dick Wolf, has passed away at the age of 68.
Arkadie, born on December 10, 1957, spent his formative years in Maryland before pursuing a BFA in acting at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. His passion for entertainment led him to Los Angeles, where he landed his first job as a staff writer on the NBC drama series “I’ll Fly Away.”
In 1994, Arkadie teamed up with Dick Wolf to create “New York Undercover,” a series that made history by featuring two people of color, Malik Yoba and Michael DeLorenzo, as undercover NYPD officers. The show ran for four seasons on Fox, breaking barriers and earning critical acclaim.
Following the success of “New York Undercover,” Arkadie went on to produce hit series like “Chicago Hope,” “NYPD Blue,” and “The Shield.” He continued to showcase his writing talents by penning episodes of various shows, including the NBC miniseries “The Temptations” and BET’s “Sacrifice.”
Most recently, Arkadie collaborated with Lamar Richardson and Zaire Julion-Richardson’s Ivy Lion Productions on the TV project “Freeman Ranch.” His extensive resume also includes work on shows like “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” “Law & Order,” and “The Quad.”
In July, Arkadie revealed in an Instagram video that he was battling kidney failure. His untimely passing on December 22 has left a void in the entertainment industry, with colleagues and collaborators paying tribute to his talent and impact.
Dick Wolf praised Arkadie for bringing diversity to network television and described him as a visionary in the industry. Lamar Richardson hailed Arkadie as a consummate professional and astute researcher, while Arkadie’s cousin, L True Green, honored him as one of America’s greatest storytellers.
Arkadie leaves behind his wife and family, as well as a legacy of groundbreaking storytelling and impactful television. His contributions to the industry will be deeply missed but always remembered.
