Isiah Whitlock Jr., veteran actor best known for his role on ‘The Wire,’ dies at 71

30 Dec 2025, 17:02 by Chevall Pryce · The Seattle Times

Isiah Whitlock Jr., a veteran character actor best known for his role as state Sen. Clay Davis on HBO’s “The Wire,” died Tuesday, according to an Instagram post from his manager. He was 71.

Whitlock’s manager, Brian Liebman, announced his death in a post shared Tuesday, calling him a “brilliant actor and even better person.” No cause of death was immediately released.

“It is with tremendous sadness that I share the passing of my dear friend and client Isiah Whitlock Jr.,” Liebman wrote. “If you knew him, you loved him. A brilliant actor and even better person. May his memory forever be a blessing. Our hearts are so broken. He will be very, very missed.”

Whitlock was widely recognized for portraying the corrupt and charismatic Clay Davis on The Wire, a series filmed largely in Baltimore and regarded as one of the most influential television dramas of its era. His character became one of the show’s most memorable figures during its five-season run, most notably for his distinctive delivery of a profane catchphrase.

Over a career spanning more than three decades, Whitlock appeared in numerous television series and films. His credits included roles in Spike Lee films such as “Da 5 Bloods,” “BlacKkKlansman” and “25th Hour,” as well as appearances on shows including “Veep,” “Your Honor” and several “Law & Order” installments.

Whitlock’s death follows the recent death of James Ransone, another “The Wire” actor who portrayed Ziggy Sobotka in the series’ second season.

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