Isiah Whitlock Jr., Star of ‘The Wire,’ Dies at 71

New York, NY – Isiah Whitlock Jr., a prolific actor known for his role as corrupt state Senator R. Clayton “Clay” Davis on HBO’s “The Wire,” has died at the age of 71. His manager, Brian Liebman, confirmed that Whitlock passed away peacefully on December 30 after a brief illness.

Whitlock, born in South Bend, Indiana, was recognized for his captivating performances across both film and television. He began his career in San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theater before making his television debut in a 1987 episode of CBS’s “Cagney & Lacey.” Over the years, he appeared in numerous popular series, including multiple episodes of the “Law & Order” franchise, “Veep,” and “Your Honor.”

His portrayal of Senator Davis on “The Wire” made him a household name, where his unique catchphrase, “sheeeeee-it,” became a cultural phenomenon. Whitlock recalled how the phrase evolved from his earlier roles in Spike Lee films, especially in “25th Hour” and “She Hate Me.” According to Whitlock, it was during “The Wire” that the writers began incorporating it into his character’s dialogue.

Whitlock collaborated frequently with director Spike Lee, appearing in several of his films including “BlacKkKlansman,” “Da 5 Bloods,” and “Chi-Raq.” His other notable roles included appearances in “Goodfellas,” “Cedar Rapids,” and the animated features “Cars 3” and “Lightyear.” Recently, he was cast as the Chief of Police in Netflix’s upcoming series “The Residence.”

Reflecting on his career, Liebman said, “Isiah was a brilliant actor and even better person. He was loved by all who had the pleasure to work with or know him. He will be greatly missed.” Whitlock’s impact on the entertainment industry and his memorable performances will undoubtedly be cherished by fans.