Isiah Whitlock Jr., the veteran character actor best known for his portrayal of the corrupt yet charismatic State Senator Clay Davis on the HBO series "The Wire" passed away on December 30, 2025. He was 71. His representative confirmed that he died in New York City following a short illness. Whitlock was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, celebrated for his distinctive voice and his ability to bring humor and gravity to complex roles.

While his career spanned four decades and included memorable turns in films such as "Da 5 Bloods", "BlacKkKlansman", and "Cedar Rapids" he was most indelibly linked to Clay Davis. His delivery of the character's signature catchphrase—a prolonged, multi-syllabic profane exclamative—became one of the most quotable moments in television history. Whitlock embraced the popularity of the line with good humor, often engaging with fans who requested it, yet his body of work demonstrated a range that went far beyond a single meme.

A frequent collaborator of director Spike Lee, Whitlock appeared in numerous Lee projects, bringing a grounded authenticity to every performance. He was also a familiar face on television, with recurring roles in "Veep", "Your Honor", and "The Mist." His stage work was equally respected, reflecting his training and dedication to the craft of acting.

He is survived by his family and a legion of fans who revered him as one of the great character actors of his generation. Tributes from co-stars have described him as a consummate professional and a "gentle giant" off-screen, whose warmth contrasted sharply with the often unscrupulous characters he played.