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Isiah Whitlock Jr. Death and Obituary: Beloved The Wire Actor Isiah Whitlock Jr. Dies After Short Illness

Published Today • Staff Reporter

Isiah Whitlock Jr., whose singular delivery of a tagline in The Wire gave the world one of the most iconic phrases of the century, has died at the age of 71.

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Whitlock “passed away today peacefully in NYC after a brave battle with a short illness,” his manager, Brian Liebman, told CNN. “Isiah was a brilliant actor and even better person.”

Whitlock had a storied career spanning more than three decades in both television and film, earning acclaim for his commanding screen presence and unforgettable performances.

“If you knew him, you loved him.”

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Isiah Whitlock Jr., a prolific actor whose work encompassed unforgettable roles in The Wire, Veep, and more, leaves behind a lasting legacy in entertainment.

His death was confirmed by his manager, Brian Liebman, on social media. “It is with tremendous sadness that I share the passing of my dear friend and client Isiah Whitlock Jr. If you knew him you loved him,” Liebman wrote.