Veteran character actor Isiah Whitlock Jr., celebrated for a career that spanned film, television, and theater, has died in New York at age 71. His manager confirmed that Whitlock passed away peacefully following a brief illness. With more than three decades of consistent work, he became one of the industry’s most recognizable and respected supporting performers.
Whitlock was best known for his unforgettable turn as corrupt State Senator Clay Davis on HBO’s The Wire, a role he played across all five seasons and one that cemented his place in TV history. He also made a strong impact on series such as Veep, Your Honor, and most recently Netflix’s The Residence, where he starred opposite Uzo Aduba as the Chief of Police. His television résumé included dozens of guest appearances, notably across multiple iterations of the Law & Order franchise.
On the big screen, Whitlock was a frequent collaborator of Spike Lee, appearing in films including 25th Hour, Chi-Raq, BlacKkKlansman, and Da 5 Bloods. It was in 25th Hour that he debuted his now-iconic “Sheeeeeit” delivery, a phrase that followed him into pop culture lore. His most recent film appearance was in Cocaine Bear, with an upcoming voice role in Pixar’s Hoppers. Remembered as both a gifted actor and a beloved colleague, Whitlock leaves behind a legacy defined by range, presence, and unmistakable character work.