Isiah Whitlock Jr., a renowned actor known for his roles in HBO series such as “The Wire” and “Veep,” as well as in several films directed by Spike Lee, passed away at the age of 71 on Tuesday. According to his manager Brian Liebman, Whitlock died in New York after a brief illness.
In “The Wire,” Whitlock portrayed the character of state Sen. Clay Davis, who was famous for his memorable catchphrase, “sheee-it.” This catchphrase became iconic as Whitlock delivered it in moments of triumph and honesty, starting with his role in Lee’s film “The 25th Hour” in 2002.
Director Spike Lee expressed his deep sorrow over Whitlock’s passing, emphasizing the significant loss felt by his departure. Whitlock collaborated with Lee on five films, including “She Hate Me,” “Red Hook Summer,” “Chi-Raq,” “BlacKkKlansman,” and “Da 5 Bloods.”
Lee fondly recalled the time spent with Whitlock during the filming of “Da 5 Bloods” in Thailand and their last meeting at a screening earlier in the year. He praised Whitlock not only for his acting skills but also for his comedic talents and ability to make everyone around him laugh.
Whitlock’s passing comes shortly after the death of another “The Wire” actor, James Ransone, who played Ziggy Sobotka on the show. Whitlock, originally from South Bend, Ind., pursued acting after studying theater at Southwest Minnesota State University and performing in various television roles.
Following his success on “The Wire,” Whitlock joined the cast of “Veep” as Secretary of Defence George Maddox. He gained recognition for his role in the political satire alongside Julia Louis-Dreyfus, playing a presidential candidate in the show.
Whitlock’s manager, Liebman, shared a heartfelt message on social media, describing the late actor as a cherished friend and a talented individual. Tributes poured in from colleagues and fans, including “The Wire” creator David Simon, who hailed Whitlock as not only a remarkable actor but also a remarkable human being.