Isiah Whitlock Jr., the instantly recognizable and beloved character actor, passed away on Tuesday in New York at the age of 71. His death was confirmed by Variety and shared by his manager, Brian Liebman, who expressed immense sadness, stating, "It is with tremendous sadness that I share the passing of my dear friend and client Isiah Whitlock Jr. If you knew him — you loved him. A brilliant actor and even better person. May his memory forever be a blessing. Our hearts are so broken. He will be very, very missed.” Longtime collaborator Spike Lee also paid tribute on Instagram, sharing a photo and writing, "Today I Learned Of The Passing Of My Dear Beloved Brother ISIAH WHITLOCK. GOD BLESS.” Whitlock was celebrated for his ability to completely own a scene, making him one of Hollywood's most dependable and charismatic performers.

Whitlock was perhaps best known for his iconic portrayal of the crooked state senator Clay Davis on HBO's acclaimed series “The Wire.” His character became a pop culture icon, largely due to his endlessly quotable and legendary elongated delivery of the word “sheeeeee-it.” This catchphrase, which first appeared in Spike Lee's films “She Hate Me” and “25th Hour,” was fully embraced by “The Wire” writers, turning it into Clay Davis’ signature verbal calling card. Whitlock once revealed that fans would stop him multiple times a day on the street, requesting him to utter the famous phrase.

Beyond his seminal role in "The Wire," Whitlock was a frequent and cherished collaborator of director Spike Lee. He appeared in numerous Lee films, demonstrating his versatility and consistent presence. His two most significant roles in Lee’s filmography were as Vietnam veteran Melvin in “Da Five Bloods,” where he starred alongside Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, Clarke Peters, and Norm Lewis, and as police officer Mr. Turrentine in “BlackKkKlansman,” sharing the screen with Alec Baldwin, John David Washington, and Robert John Burke. Additionally, Whitlock played smaller but memorable roles in other Spike Lee productions, including “Red Hook Summer,” “Chi-Raq,” “She Hate Me,” and “25th Hour.”

Whitlock's impressive career extended far beyond Baltimore politics and Spike Lee's cinematic universe. On television, he garnered a new audience with his recurring role as the blunt and self-assured U.S. Secretary of Defense George Maddox on HBO’s “Veep.” Appearing in Seasons 2 through 4, Maddox served as a political rival to Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ character, Selina Meyer, during the 2016 primaries, further showcasing Whitlock's specialty in portraying powerful men whose confidence bordered on satire, delivered with impeccable timing. His film credits also include a doctor in Martin Scorsese’s classic “Goodfellas,” as well as roles in “Chappelle’s Show,” “Pieces of April,” and “Enchanted.”

A versatile actor, Whitlock also lent his distinctive voice to various animated projects, including Pixar’s “Cars 3” and “Lightyear.” Audiences will have a final opportunity to hear his voice posthumously in Pixar’s upcoming animated sci-fi comedy “Hoppers,” which is set to debut in 2026. Hailing from Indiana, Isiah Whitlock Jr.’s extensive body of work cemented his legacy as a brilliant and unforgettable character actor whose presence enriched every project he touched, leaving an indelible mark on both cinema and television. His memory will undoubtedly live on through the iconic characters and performances he brought to life.