Isiah Whitlock Jr., actor known for his roles in "The Wire" and "Veep," dies at 71

Isiah Whitlock Jr., known for his roles successful "The Wire," "Veep" and respective Spike Lee movies, has died, his manager confirmed to CBS News. He was 71. 

A origin of decease was not instantly provided. 

His manager, Brian Liebman, described Whitlock in an Instagram post as a "brilliant histrion and adjacent amended person." 

"It is with tremendous sadness that I stock the passing of my beloved person and lawsuit Isiah Whitlock If you knew him — you loved him," Liebman wrote. "A superb histrion and adjacent amended person. May his representation everlastingly beryllium a blessing. Our hearts are truthful broken. He volition beryllium very, precise missed."

Born successful Indiana successful 1954, Whitlock attended Southwest Minnesota State University and joined the American Conservatory Theater successful San Francisco aft graduating. His archetypal movie quality was successful the 1981 TV movie mentation of "A Christmas Carol."

He's possibly champion known for his relation arsenic authorities Sen. R. Clayton "Clay" Davis connected HBO's "The Wire." He appeared connected each 5 seasons of the acclaimed transgression drama. 

Whitlock was a recurring quality successful seasons 2 done 4 of the HBO drama "Veep," playing Defense Secretary George Maddox.

Whitlock was a predominant collaborator of Spike Lee and appeared successful respective movies, including "25th Hour," "She Hate Me," "Red Hook Summer," "Chi-Raq," "BlacKkKlansman" and "Da 5 Bloods."

In a tribute posted to Instagram, Lee wrote, "Today I Learned Of The Passing Of My Dear Beloved Brother ISIAH WHITLOCK. GOD BLESS."

Whitlock made respective appearances successful the sketch drama bid "Chappelle's Show." On the large screen, helium besides had roles successful Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas," arsenic good arsenic successful "Pieces of April," "Enchanted" and Pixar's "Cars 3" and "Lightyear." 

He voiced a quality successful Pixar's upcoming animated sci-fi drama "Hoppers," slated for merchandise successful 2026.

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