Acclaimed The Wire actor dies at 71 after short illness | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleKevin E G PerryWednesday 31 December 2025 00:27 GMTThe Indiana-born actor was also acclaimed for his work in Veep, Chappelle’s Show, Law & Order and several Spike Lee movies. (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)Isiah Whitlock Jr., the acclaimed character actor best known for his role as Senator Clay Davis in The Wire, has died at the age of 71.His manager, Brian Liebman, announced his passing on Instagram, stating that Whitlock Jr. died peacefully in New York following a short illness.Whitlock Jr. was widely recognized for his distinctive catchphrase in The Wire and also earned plaudits for his work in Veep, Chappelle’s Show and the Law & Order franchise.He had a prolific collaboration with director Spike Lee, appearing in several of his films, including 25th Hour, BlacKkKlansman and Da 5 Bloods.Tributes have been paid by co-stars such as Andre Royo from The Wire and O’Shea Jackson Jr. from Cocaine Bear, highlighting his talent and kind nature.In fullIsiah Whitlock Jr, actor known as The Wire’s Clay Davis, dies aged 71Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in