Reg E. Cathey, ‘House of Cards’ and ‘The Wire’ Actor, Dies at 59

CREDIT: RICHARD SHOTWELL/INVISION/AP/REX

Actor Reg E. Cathey, who played Freddy on “House of Cards” and appeared in “The Wire,” has died. He was 59 and had reportedly been battling cancer.

Known for his distinctive baritone voice, Reginald Eugene Cathey began acting in 1984 in a television movie called “A Doctor’s Story.” He guest starred on numerous television shows, playing Norman Wilson in seasons four and five of “The Wire” as well as in “Grimm,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “House of Cards,” and drama “Outcast.”

Cathey won an Emmy for outstanding guest actor in a drama series in 2015 for his work on “House of Cards.” He was previously nominated in 2014 and received another nomination in 2016 for the same role.

“We are heartbroken by the passing of our friend and House of Cards colleague Reg E. Cathey,” said Netflix in a statement. “Reg was the kindest man, the most giving actor, a true gentlemen. Our sympathy goes to his family.”

In 2017, he appeared in the biography “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” starring Oprah Winfrey.

“The Wire” creator David Simon first reported his death.

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David Simon✔@AoDespair

Reg Cathey, 1958-2018. Not only a fine, masterful actor -- but simply one of the most delightful human beings with whom I ever shared some long days on set. On wit alone, he could double any man over and leave him thinking. Reg, your memory is a great blessing.

6:21 PM - Feb 9, 2018

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Cathey also appeared in Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz’s “The Mask” and the 2015 “Fantastic Four” reboot as the father of Michael B. Jordan’s character. He most recently starred in films “Flock of Four” and “Tyrel.” In David Fincher’s “Seven,” he played the coroner.

Born in Alabama, he graduated from J.O. Johnson High School where he acted in the play “To Kill a Mockingbird.” He also attended the University of Michigan and the Yale School of Drama. He joined the theater world in 2009 to play Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding in London production of “The Shawshank Redemption.”

Several actors and TV creators remembered Cathey on Twitter, including Bobby Cannavale and Jeffrey Wright.

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bobby cannavale✔@bobbycannavale

We lost a sweet, sweet man and a sweet, sweet, SWEET artist today.
Rest In Power, Reg E. Cathey We will miss you.

7:03 PM - Feb 9, 2018

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Mr. Cathey had a prolific career as a character actor. Never could remember his name but knew that voice.

He was in a cute independent film years ago called, "My Last Day Without You" also starring Nicole Beharie & Ken Duken. I bought the DVD because of Reginald. Wow, 59 years young, may Cathey, RIP.

"don't fuck with Quirns."

wow so sad, so young

Great character actor

He made everything I saw him in better, from Oz to House of Cards.