Isiah Whitlock Jr, the veteran character actor celebrated for his roles in The Wire and Veep, has died at the age of 71, reports bbc.com.
His manager, Brian Liebman, confirmed the news on Wednesday, stating that Whitlock passed away in New York following a short illness. “If you knew him, you loved him. A brilliant actor and even better person,” Mr Liebman wrote in a tribute on Instagram.
Whitlock Jr was perhaps most famous for his portrayal of the corrupt state senator Clay Davis in the HBO drama The Wire. It was here that he popularised his signature, elongated delivery of a particular profane catchphrase – a vocal quirk he based on his uncle.
Reflecting on the phrase’s popularity in 2008, Whitlock Jr said: “I was in Grand Central Station and far away I heard someone say it… I’m glad people enjoy it.”
Beyond the gritty streets of Baltimore, Whitlock Jr displayed his comedic timing in the political satire Veep, playing George Maddox, a US Secretary of Defence.
The actor was a frequent collaborator of director Spike Lee, appearing in six of his films, including BlacKkKlansman, 25th Hour, and Da 5 Bloods.
Lee shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, writing: “Today I learned of the passing of my dear beloved brother Isiah Whitlock. God bless.”
Born in South Bend, Indiana, Whitlock’s career spanned decades and genres. His extensive credits included films like Goodfellas, Enchanted, 25th Hour, and voice roles in Pixar’s Cars 3 and Lightyear as well as television – The Chappelle Show, Your Honor, and multiple appearances across the Law & Order franchise.
He is survived by a legacy of work that balanced gravitas with a unique, indelible sense of humour.
•Featured image: Isiah Whitlock Jr/Getty Images
