Veteran American actor Isiah Whitlock Jr., best known for his memorable roles in The Wire and Veep, has died at the age of 71. His manager, Brian Liebman, confirmed the news on Tuesday, saying the actor passed away in New York after a short illness.
“It is with tremendous sadness that I share the passing of my dear friend and client Isiah Whitlock Jr,” Liebman wrote on Instagram. “If you knew him — you loved him. A brilliant actor and an even better person.”
Filmmaker Spike Lee, a longtime collaborator, also paid tribute by sharing a photo of the two together. “Today I Learned Of The Passing Of My Dear Beloved Brother ISIAH WHITLOCK. GOD BLESS,” Lee wrote.
The unforgettable Clay Davis on The Wire
Whitlock earned global recognition for playing Clay Davis, the openly corrupt city councilman on HBO’s The Wire. He appeared in 25 episodes across the show’s five seasons. The character became a fan favourite, especially for his profane catchphrase, “sheee-it,” delivered with Whitlock’s trademark drawl.
In a 2008 interview, Whitlock said the phrase was inspired by his uncle and had been part of his performances even before The Wire. “I once heard someone say it in Grand Central Station,” he said. “They were smiling. I’m glad people enjoy it.”
A sharp turn in political satire with Veep
On HBO’s political comedy Veep, Whitlock played Secretary of Defense George Maddox, a blunt and often hilarious character who later runs against Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Selina Meyer in the presidential primaries. He appeared on the show for three seasons and became known for his comic timing.
A trusted presence in Spike Lee films
Whitlock featured in several Spike Lee films, including 25th Hour, She Hate Me, Red Hook Summer, Chi-Raq, BlacKkKlansman and Da 5 Bloods. Lee frequently cast him in roles that allowed his strong screen presence and natural rhythm with dialogue to shine.
From football to theatre and film
Born in South Bend, Indiana, Whitlock studied at Southwest Minnesota State University, where he played football and explored theatre. Injuries ended his sports career, pushing him fully toward acting. He later moved to San Francisco and began working in theatre before landing television roles in the late 1980s.
A career across film, television and voice work
Whitlock appeared in films such as Goodfellas, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, Pieces of April and Enchanted, and lent his voice to animated projects including Cars 3 and Lightyear. On television, he also featured in multiple series from the Law & Order franchise.
Tributes pour in
The Wire creator David Simon shared a tribute, remembering Whitlock’s impact on the show. His death follows the recent passing of fellow The Wire actor James Ransone.
Isiah Whitlock Jr. is remembered for his performances, commanding presence and characters that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.