The Wire Star Isiah Whitlock Jr. Dies at 71; Manager Pays Moving Tribute

• American actor Isiah Whitlock Jr., known for his role as corrupt politician Clay Davis in HBO's "The Wire," passed away on Tuesday at the age of 71.
• His manager, Brian Liebman, shared a heartfelt tribute, calling him a "brilliant actor and an even better person."
• Whitlock's portrayal of Clay Davis, including his iconic "sheeeee-it" catchphrase, became a fan favorite and perfectly captured Baltimore's political hypocrisy.
• He had an extensive career with over 125 acting credits, frequently collaborating with director Spike Lee in films like "BlacKkKlansman" and "Da 5 Bloods."
• His diverse roles included appearances in "Goodfellas," "Veep," and voice work in animated films such as "Cars 3" and "Lightyear."

Why It Matters: Isiah Whitlock Jr., iconic 'The Wire' actor, dies at 71, leaving a legacy of memorable roles.