‘The Wire’ Actor Isiah Whitlock Jr. Dead at 71

‘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.