Isiah Whitlock Jr, who was known for his memorable acting roles in popular series like The Wire and Veep, has died at the age of 71, according to his manager.
It is with tremendous sadness that I share the passing of my dear friend and client Isiah Whitlock Jr, manager Brian Liebman wrote on Instagram.
Whitlock, who also had notable appearances in Goodfellas and The Chappelle Show, was a longtime collaborator with director Spike Lee, who expressed his grief with a heartfelt tribute.
Today I Learned Of The Passing Of My Dear Beloved Brother ISIAH WHITLOCK. GOD BLESS, Lee wrote alongside a handshaking photo of the two.
If you knew him - you loved him. A brilliant actor and even better person, Liebman expressed. May his memory forever be a blessing. Our hearts are so broken. He will be very, very missed. In statements to Hollywood news outlets, it was revealed that Whitlock passed away in New York after a short illness.
In The Wire, Whitlock portrayed a corrupt politician, famously using a profane catchphrase he developed, which gained popularity from fans and was often quoted in the series.
On Veep, he showcased his comedic talent as a fictional Secretary of Defense, climbing the political ladder against Julia Louis-Dreyfus's character.
Throughout his career, Whitlock worked on six films with Spike Lee, including 25th Hour, BlacKkKlansman, and Da 5 Bloods. His filmography also includes roles in Pieces of April, Enchanted, and voice parts in Cars 3 and Lightyear, as well as appearances in the Law and Order franchise.
