Isiah Whitlock Jr., the veteran actor best known for his unforgettable roles on HBO’s The Wire and Veep, has died at the age of 71.
Whitlock passed away on Tuesday in New York following a short illness, according to his manager, Brian Liebman, who confirmed the news to the Associated Press.
The actor earned widespread recognition for portraying the openly corrupt State Senator Clay Davis on The Wire, appearing in 25 episodes across the show’s five-season run. The character became a fan favorite, largely due to Whitlock’s iconic delivery of the profane catchphrase “sheee-it,” which became one of the series’ most quoted moments.
Whitlock first used the now-famous expression in his collaboration with director Spike Lee in 25th Hour (2002), where he played a detective who uncovers hidden drugs in a sofa. That role marked the beginning of a long and meaningful creative partnership between Whitlock and Lee.
Over the years, Whitlock appeared in five films directed by Lee, including She Hate Me (2004), Red Hook Summer (2012), Chi-Raq (2015), BlacKkKlansman (2018), and Da 5 Bloods (2020). Lee paid tribute to the actor following his death, calling it “a big, big, big loss” and saying he would miss Whitlock for the rest of his life.
“We vibed over all those years,” Lee said, reflecting on their close bond. He also shared fond memories of working together on Da 5 Bloods while filming in Thailand and recalled seeing Whitlock earlier this year at a screening of Kiss of the Spider Woman, where Whitlock joined Lee and his daughter, Satchel.
In addition to The Wire, Whitlock found a new generation of fans through his role on HBO’s Veep, further cementing his reputation as a versatile character actor with impeccable timing and presence.
Isiah Whitlock Jr. leaves behind a lasting legacy in television and film, remembered for performances that blended humor, authority, and unforgettable personality.
About the Author
