Isiah Whitlock Jr., the character actor best known for playing the corrupt Senator Clay Davis inThe Wire, has died. He was 71.
The Indiana-born actor was also acclaimed for his work inVeep, Chappelle's Show, Law & Orderand several Spike Lee movies.
His manager Brian Liebman made the announcement onInstagram, writing: "It is with tremendous sadness that I share the passing of my dear friend and client Isiah Whitlock Jr. If you knew him - you loved him. A brilliant actor and even better person. May his memory forever be a blessing. Our hearts are so broken. He will be very, very missed."
Whitlock reportedly died peacefully in New York following a short illness.
He was born on September 13, 1954, in South Bend, Indiana. He graduated from John Adams High School in 1972 and later attended Southwest Minnesota State University. He initially earned a football scholarship but a series of injuries led him to focus on acting.
He launched his film career in 1990, earning small roles inGremlins 2: The New BatchandGoodfellas. On television, he played a number of different roles across theLaw & Orderfranchise beginning in 1995.
From 2002 to 2008 he played Senator Clayton 'Clay' Davis inThe Wire, the scheming and opportunistic character who would become his signature. Fans delighted in his Machiavellian plotting and his catchphrase, an elongated expression of the expletive "s***".
Also in 2002, director Spike Lee cast Whitlock to appear in the Edward Norton-led drama25th Hour. It was the start of a productive collaboration between Lee and Whitlock, which also included 2004'sShe Hate Me, 2012'sRed Hook Summer, 2015'sChi-Raq, 2018'sBlacKkKlansmanand 2020'sDa 5 Bloods.
From 2003 to 2006, he made appearances on sketch seriesChappelle's Show, and from 2013 to 2015, he played General George Maddox on hit political sitcomVeep.
His most recent credits include the 2023 filmCocaine Bearand this year's Netflix murder mysteryThe Residence.
Among the many paying tribute to Whitlock was hisThe Wireco-star Andre Royo, who played Bubbles. "I can't... anotherWirebrother and friend," wrote Royo onX. "This hurts to no end but your memory will live forever in my heart. Hark the sound of an angel soars. Love you legend Isiah Whitlock."
Whitlock'sCocaine Bearco-star O'Shea Jackson Jr also paid his respects, writing onX: "Saddened by the news about Isaiah Whitlock Jr. Was lucky to work with him in Ireland when we filmedCocaine Bear. Such a kind man and funny as hell. Rest in peace brotha. Prayers and love to his family."
