American actor Isiah Whitlock Jr., best known for his portrayal of corrupt politician Clay Davis on HBO's acclaimed crime drama The Wire, has died at the age of 71, his manager confirmed on Tuesday. "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," his manager, Brian Liebman, wrote on social media.
Whitlock earned widespread recognition for his turn as the slimy yet charismatic Clay Davis on The Wire, the gritty series created by former journalist David Simon that chronicled drug trafficking and political corruption in Baltimore, Maryland. The role cemented his place in television history, with writers amplifying his character's signature elongated expletive, "sheeeeee-it into one of the show's most memorable catchphrases.
Following news of his death, Simon shared an image of Whitlock smiling warmly in tribute to the actor's life and work.
Over a career spanning several decades, Whitlock amassed more than 125 acting credits, including frequent collaborations with director Spike Lee. His appearances in Lee's films included She Hate Me, 25th Hour, Red Hook Summer, Chi-Raq, BlacKkKlansman, and Da 5 Bloods. Lee honoured him by posting a photograph of the two holding hands, describing Whitlock as “My Dear Beloved Brother”.
Beyond The Wire, Whitlock was also remembered for his role as the US Secretary of Defence on the political satire Veep, as well as an early film appearance in Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas, where he played a doctor who supplied mobster Henry Hill with Valium.
His resonant baritone voice featured in several animated productions, including Pixar’s Lightyear and Cars 3.
Born in Indiana, Whitlock was the middle child in a family of 10 and the son of a steel mill worker. He graduated from Southwest State University and later studied drama at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco.