Isiah Whitlock Jr., celebrated for his roles in the HBO series “The Wire” and “Veep,” has died at the age of 71. The actor passed away on March 5, 2024, in New York following a brief illness, as confirmed by his manager, Brian Liebman, in an email to The Associated Press.
Whitlock gained immense recognition for his portrayal of the corrupt state Senator Clay Davis in “The Wire,” appearing in 25 episodes throughout its five seasons. The character became a fan favorite, largely due to Whitlock’s iconic catchphrase, “sheee-it,” which he delivered with remarkable flair during moments of triumph and candor. This catchphrase first emerged in his collaboration with director Spike Lee in the 2002 film “The 25th Hour,” where Whitlock’s detective character encounters a hidden cache of drugs.
Tributes Pour In From Friends and Colleagues
The news of Whitlock’s passing prompted heartfelt reactions from those who knew him. Spike Lee, who worked closely with Whitlock on five films, expressed his sorrow in a phone call with the AP, stating, “It’s a big, big, big loss. I’m going to miss him for the rest of my life.” Lee reminisced about their strong connection, noting how they “vibed over all those years” and shared fond memories, particularly from filming “Da 5 Bloods” in Thailand.
Lee described Whitlock as a “beautiful, beautiful soul,” emphasizing how he brought joy to those around him. “If you were around him, he made everybody feel good in his presence. He would radiate,” Lee added. He also highlighted Whitlock’s comedic talents, stating, “He was hilarious. That was just his nature, he made people laugh.”
Whitlock’s contributions to film and television extended beyond “The Wire.” After his ground-breaking role, he joined the cast of “Veep,” playing Secretary of Defense George Maddox for three seasons, where his character was a rival to Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s Selina Meyer in the presidential primaries.
A Legacy in Film and Theatre
A native of South Bend, Indiana, Whitlock pursued his passion for acting after sustaining injuries while playing football at Southwest Minnesota State University. He moved to San Francisco to focus on theater before landing small television roles in shows like “Cagney & Lacey” during the late 1980s. His film credits include brief appearances in “Goodfellas” and “Gremlins 2: The New Batch,” both released in 1990.
The impact of his work in “The Wire” and with Lee cannot be understated. In addition to “The 25th Hour,” Whitlock collaborated with Lee on notable films such as “She Hate Me” (2004), “Red Hook Summer” (2012), “Chi-Raq” (2015), “BlacKkKlansman” (2018), and “Da 5 Bloods” (2020).
David Simon, the creator of “The Wire,” also paid tribute to Whitlock, stating on Bluesky, “As fine an actor as he was, Isiah was an even better spirit and the greatest gentleman.” Simon’s words underline the profound respect and admiration Whitlock garnered throughout his career.
Whitlock leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances and a lasting impact on his colleagues and fans. His contributions to the entertainment industry will be remembered and cherished by many.
