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Actor Isiah Whitlock Jr. dies at 71
Isiah Whitlock Jr., celebrated for his roles in The Wire and Veep, has died following a brief illness, his manager confirmed on Wednesday. Whitlock was 71.
Tributes pour in from Hollywood
Brian Liebman, Whitlock's manager and close friend, announced the actor's passing in an emotional Instagram post. "It is with tremendous sadness that I share the passing of my dear friend and client Isiah Whitlock Jr," Liebman wrote. "If you knew him-you loved him. A brilliant actor and even better person."
Liebman added that Whitlock died in New York and described the loss as devastating. "May his memory forever be a blessing. Our hearts are so broken. He will be very, very missed."
A legacy in film and television
Whitlock was best known for his role as corrupt politician Clay Davis in HBO's The Wire, where he popularized a profane catchphrase that became iconic. In a 2008 interview, Whitlock revealed the line was inspired by his uncle and had appeared in his earlier work before gaining widespread recognition.
"I was in Grand Central Station and heard someone say it from far away, smiling," he recalled. "I'm glad people enjoy it."
In Veep, he played General George Maddox, a comedic U.S. secretary of defense who ran against Julia Louis-Dreyfus's character. His film credits also included collaborations with director Spike Lee, appearing in six of Lee's projects, such as 25th Hour, BlacKkKlansman, and Da 5 Bloods.
Career highlights and personal life
Born in South Bend, Indiana, Whitlock built an extensive career in both film and television. His filmography included roles in Goodfellas, The Chappelle Show, Pieces of April, Enchanted, and animated features like Cars 3 and Lightyear. He also appeared in multiple episodes of the Law & Order franchise.
Spike Lee paid tribute to Whitlock on social media, writing, "Today I Learned Of The Passing Of My Dear Beloved Brother ISIAH WHITLOCK. GOD BLESS." Lee shared a photo of the two shaking hands, underscoring their long-standing professional and personal bond.
