Isiah Whitlock Jr., a well-known actor recognized for his roles in the HBO series “The Wire” and “Veep” as well as in five movies directed by Spike Lee, passed away at the age of 71. His manager, Brian Liebman, confirmed to The Associated Press via email that Whitlock died in New York following a brief illness.
Whitlock notably portrayed the openly corrupt state Sen. Clay Davis in 25 episodes spanning the five seasons of “The Wire.” His character Davis was beloved by fans for his signature catchphrase, “sheee-it,” which Whitlock delivered with flair in moments of triumph and brutal honesty. The actor first introduced this catchphrase in 2002’s “The 25th Hour,” a film directed by Lee, during a scene where his detective character uncovers a stash of drugs hidden in a couch.
Renowned director Spike Lee expressed his deep sorrow over Whitlock’s passing, emphasizing the significant impact the actor had on his life. Whitlock also appeared in four other Lee films, forging a close bond with the director over the years.
Whitlock’s talent extended beyond acting, with Lee recalling fond memories of their time together on the set of “Da 5 Bloods” in Thailand. The director highlighted Whitlock’s infectious humor, noting that he had a natural ability to make people laugh both on and off the screen.
Tragically, Whitlock is the second notable actor from “The Wire” to pass away recently, following the death of James Ransone. A native of South Bend, Indiana, Whitlock initially pursued a career in football before transitioning to acting. He began his acting journey with minor television roles in the late 1980s and made brief appearances in films such as “Goodfellas” and “Gremlins 2: The New Batch.”
After his acclaimed role in “The Wire,” Whitlock joined the cast of “Veep,” portraying Secretary of Defense George Maddox in the popular HBO series for three seasons. His manager, Liebman, also shared a touching tribute on social media, describing Whitlock as a “brilliant actor and an even better person” beloved by many.
David Simon, the creator of “The Wire,” honored Whitlock’s memory, emphasizing not only his exceptional acting skills but also his outstanding character as a gentle and remarkable individual.