Isiah Whitlock Jr., best known for his roles on The Wire, Veep, Your Honor, and The Residence, has died at age 71.
Whitlock’s manager, Brian Liebman, confirmed the news on Instagram, remembering him as a “brilliant actor and even better person.” Liebman later told Deadline that Whitlock passed away peacefully following a short illness.
Over a career spanning decades, Whitlock became especially beloved for playing the corrupt but unforgettable Sen. Clay Davis on The Wire, appearing across all five seasons. The acclaimed HBO series also starred Dominic West, Idris Elba, Michael Kenneth Williams, and Wendell Pierce.
In addition to his television work, Whitlock frequently collaborated with Spike Lee, appearing in several of the filmmaker’s movies. His first on-screen role dates back to 1987 on Cagney & Lacey.
Fans also remember him as Secretary of Defense George Maddox on Veep and for his role as a corrupt judge on Your Honor. His final appearance came earlier this year on Netflix’s The Residence.
Whitlock’s passing follows the recent loss of his The Wire co-star James Ransone, marking another sad moment for fans of the iconic series.