Isiah Whitlock Jr.
Dead at 71
Published
December 30, 2025
3:17 PM PST
Beloved actor Isiah Whitlock Jr. — perhaps best known for his catchphrase “Sheeeeeit…” from “The Wire” — has died.
The Hollywood veteran passed away peacefully Tuesday in New York following a short illness, Deadline reports.
Whitlock starred as corrupt Senator R. Clayton Davis on “The Wire” and had recurring roles on “Veep,” “Your Honor,” and “Atlanta.”
Whitlock collaborated with Spike Lee on several film projects, including “25th Hour” — where he originated his signature phrase — “BlacKkKlansman,” “Da 5 Bloods,” and “Chi-Raq.”
Most recently, he lent his voice to the upcoming Pixar/Disney animated feature “Hoppers,” due out in March.
Whitlock’s manager Brian Liebman told Deadline, “Isiah was a brilliant actor and even better person. He was loved by all who had the pleasure to work with or know him. He will be greatly missed.”
He was 71.
RIP
