Reg E. Cathey arrives at night one of the Creative Arts Emmy Awards at the Microsoft Theater, in Los Angeles
2016 Creative Arts Emmy Awards – Arrivals – Night One, Los Angeles, USA
Hollywood, the viewing public and many more are mourning this weekend in response to the loss of one of the most unique actors of our time, Reg E. Cathey. Having appeared in Oz, The Wire and House of Cards, Cathey has one of the most diverse catalogs of his time. News of his passing became public Friday and many took to Twitter to voice their condolences.
https://twitter.com/bobbycannavale/status/962114737256390656?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet
Shattered at the loss of Reg E. Cathey! Brilliant actor, humorist & friend! Irreplaceable! The ancestors about to be challenged!!
— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) February 10, 2018
The Alabama native got his start in acting at the University of Michigan before moving on to the Yale School of Drama. Following his time at Yale, the famed actor found a role on Square One, a children’s show that aired in the late 1980’s. Cathey’s earliest movie roles came in Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Mask, and Pootie Tang just to name a few. Cathey broke into the consciousness of America’s mainstream culture when he received a regular role as Norman Wilson on the classic TV series, The Wire. His success on The Wire led him to work with the show’s creator, David Simon, on a later HBO series, The Corner. Understandably hurt by the loss of a friend, Simon shared a heartfelt message Friday night about the actor’s passing.
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. pic.twitter.com/OHEUbAhTg0
— David Simon (@AoDespair) February 9, 2018
Simon wasn’t the only one of Cathey’s former directors to share kind words about the Yale graduate. Cathey appeared as Freddy Hayes on Beau Williamson’s House of Cards. The role earned Cathey both an Emmy nomination and win for “Outstanding Guest Actor for a Drama Series”. Williamson took to Twitter Friday night to share his condolences.
Reg Cathey was one of a kind. Brimming with life force, generosity, humor, gravitas and a fountain of talent. Loved by everyone lucky enough know him and work with him. He will be greatly missed.
Rest In Peace, Reg. pic.twitter.com/p9DXFgDevP— Beau Willimon (@BeauWillimon) February 9, 2018
Cathey’s last role came in 2016 when he appeared as James Lucas in Marvel’s Luke Cage Netflix series. Cathey was 59 when he passed and no official statement has been released about the cause of his death. Stay tuned as we look for more updates. In the meantime, rest in peace, Mr. Cathey. You will be missed.
