Whitlock passed away Tuesday in New York after a short illness, his manager Brian Liebman confirmed. He died peacefully.
Born in South Bend, Indiana, Whitlock began his acting journey on the stage after college, joining San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theater. From there, he built a steady and respected career that spanned more than three decades across television, film, and theater.
His first notable screen appearance came in 1987 with a guest role on Cagney & Lacey. Over the years, he became a familiar face on television, especially within the Law & Order universe, appearing multiple times on the original series as well as Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Law & Order: Criminal Intent.
Whitlock’s most iconic role was that of corrupt politician Clay Davis on The Wire, created by David Simon. Appearing across all five seasons, Whitlock turned the smooth-talking state senator into one of the show’s most quoted characters. His drawn-out delivery of the word “Sheeeeeit” became a pop culture catchphrase and a defining part of the series’ legacy.
He later brought a similar commanding presence to HBO’s political comedy Veep, playing Secretary of Defense General George Maddox. On Showtime’s legal thriller Your Honor, he starred as a powerful politician with ties to organized crime.
Whitlock’s final television role was on Netflix’s The Residence, where he played the White House chief of police opposite Uzo Aduba. The series premiered in March.
In film, Whitlock had a long and meaningful collaboration with director Spike Lee, appearing in six of his movies, including 25th Hour, She Hate Me, BlacKkKlansman, and Da 5 Bloods. Lee paid tribute to Whitlock following his death, calling him “my dear beloved brother.”
It was in 25th Hour that Whitlock first used his now-famous “Sheeeeeit” line, inspired by his uncle. He later explained that writers on The Wire began scripting the phrase after audiences responded so strongly to it.
Whitlock also showed his lighter side in films like Cedar Rapids, where he played a character who openly admired The Wire, and more recently in Cocaine Bear. He will next be heard in the upcoming animated film Hoppers.
“Isiah was a brilliant actor and even better person,” Liebman said in a statement. “He was loved by everyone who worked with him or knew him, and he will be greatly missed.”
With his distinctive voice, sharp delivery, and commanding presence, Isiah Whitlock Jr. leaves behind a body of work that audiences will continue to enjoy for years to come.
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