Isiah Whitlock Jr., a veteran character actor known for memorable roles in television series such as The Wire and Veep, has passed away at age 71, his manager has confirmed.
Isia Whitlock Jr.’s cause of death has not been immediately provided. The actor died on Tuesday, his manager, Brian Leibman, confirmed. Speaking to CNN, the manager said Whitlock “passed away today peacefully in NYC after a brave battle with a short illness.
Taking to Instagram, Liebman described the actor as a “brilliant actor and even better person.”
“It is with tremendous sadness that I share the passing of my dear friend and client Isiah Whitlock Jr. If you knew him — you loved him,” Liebman wrote. “A brilliant actor and even better person. May his memory forever be a blessing. Our hearts are so broken. He will be very, very missed.”
Born in Indiana in 1954, Isiah Whitlock Jr., attended Southwest Minnesota State University and later joined the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco after graduating. His first film appearance was in the 1981 TV movie version of A Christmas Carol, and he later starred in the television series Cagney & Lacey.
‘The Wire’ star Isiah Whitlock Jr dead at 71
Whitlock Jr. appeared in several police focused series, including Law & Order and NYPD Blue. The actor is best known for his regular role on the acclaimed HBO drama The Wire, in which he starred as the corrupt Maryland state senator Clay Davis. He appeared in all five seasons of the show.
Whitlock also appeared as a recurring character in seasons two through four of the HBO comedy Veep, playing Defense Secretary George Maddox.
The actor also collaborated frequently with Spike Lee. He appeared in several movies, including 25th Hour, She Hate Me, Chi-Raq, BlacKkKlansman and Da 5 Bloods. On Instagram, Spike Lee shared a tribute to Isiah Whitlock.
“Today, I Learned Of The Passing Of My Dear Beloved Brother ISIAH WHITLOCK. GOD BLESS,” Spike Lee wrote.
Isiah Whitlock Jr., also voiced a character in Pixar’s upcoming animated sci-fi comedy Hoppers, which is set to be released in 2026.
Rest in peace, Isiah Whitlock Jr.
