Isiah Whitlock Jr, the American actor best known for playing corrupt politician Clay Davis in the HBO drama The Wire, has died at the age of 71. His manager, Brian Liebman, announced the news on social media, writing: "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."
Whitlock's portrayal of Clay Davis in The Wire earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his character's signature catchphrase, a drawn-out "sheeeee-it". The show's creator, David Simon, paid tribute by posting an image of Whitlock smiling.
Over a career spanning decades, Whitlock amassed more than 125 acting credits. He was a frequent collaborator with director Spike Lee, appearing in films such as She Hate Me, 25th Hour, Red Hook Summer, Chi-Raq, BlacKkKlansman and Da 5 Bloods. Lee posted a photo of himself holding hands with Whitlock, calling him "My Dear Beloved Brother".
Whitlock also played the US Secretary of Defence in the political satire Veep. One of his earliest film roles was in Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas, where he played a doctor supplying Valium to mobster Henry Hill. His deep baritone voice featured in animated projects including Pixar's Lightyear and Cars 3.
Born in Indiana as a middle child in a family of ten, Whitlock was the son of a steel mill worker. He graduated from Southwest State University and studied drama at San Francisco's American Conservatory Theater.
