‘The Wire’ and ‘Veep’ Star Passes Away at 71

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I was really saddened to hear about Isiah Whitlock Jr.’s passing. He was 71. For me, he’ll always be remembered as the brilliantly exasperating Clay Davis from “The Wire” – a truly iconic and unforgettable character. It’s a loss for anyone who appreciates great acting.

Isiah Whitlock Jr. has passed away, his manager Brian Liebman announced on Instagram. Liebman described him as a beloved friend, a talented actor, and a wonderful person, adding that he will be deeply missed. He expressed heartfelt sorrow and said Whitlock’s memory will be cherished.

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Indiana native Whitlock was a versatile character actor who enjoyed a successful career, often collaborating with director Spike Lee. He appeared in several of Lee’s films, including “BlacKkKlansman,” “Da 5 Bloods,” “She Hate Me,” “25th Hour,” “Red Hook Summer,” and “Chi-Raq.”

Whitlock often used the phrase “sheeeeee-it” – a drawn-out way of saying “shit” – which became something of a signature for him across all his work.

I first heard that amazing phrase in a couple of movies – “She Hate Me” and “25th Hour” – but it really took off with “The Wire.” It became totally iconic! People would actually stop Whitlock on the street just to get him to say it, which is hilarious. He even leaned into it by playing a character obsessed with the show in the movie “Cedar Rapids” – it was a funny little inside joke for us fans.

Whitlock worked on numerous other movies and TV shows throughout his career. He played a doctor in Martin Scorsese’s classic film, “Goodfellas,” and appeared in popular shows like “Chappelle’s Show” and films such as “Pieces of April” and “Enchanted.” He also lent his voice to Pixar’s “Cars 3” and “Lightyear,” and was scheduled to voice a character in their upcoming 2026 animated film, “Hoppers.”

He played George Maddox, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, on the TV show “Veep” from seasons two to four. His character ran against Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s character, Selina Meyer, during the 2016 presidential primaries.

Whitlock was a naturally gifted and charming performer who was well-liked by everyone he worked with and those who watched him. He’ll be fondly remembered for his funny, talented performances and the genuine warmth he brought to each character he played.

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2025-12-31 10:44