'House Of Cards' Actor Reg E. Cathey Dead At 59
The acting world lost a superior force on both television and silver screens. Actor Reg E. Cathey passed away at 59 years old.
TMZ reported that Cathey allegedly passed away from a battle with lung cancer.
Cathey's Historic Career
The actor began his four-decade career in the mid-1980s when he first appeared on the PBS children's television show Square One Television. After the show concluded in 1992, he bounced around both the movies and television world before landing a recurring role on the controversial HBO drama Oz.
However, Cathey made his big break in 2006 when he portrayed political operative Norman Wilson on prolific television creator David Simon's crime drama The Wire. Cathey was on the series for its final two seasons.
Following The Wire's conclusion, he moved on to Law & Order: Special Victims Unit where he portrayed Barry Querns. He also appeared on other shows including The Blacklist, Inside Amy Schumer, and the television movie The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.
Celebrities Mourn Cathey
The Wire creator David Simon broke the news on Cathey's passing on Twitter on Feb. 9.
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
Other celebrities shared their heartfelt condolences.
"Shattered at the loss of Reg E Cathey! Brilliant actor, humorist, and friend! Irreplaceable! The ancestors about to be challenged," wrote Samuel L. Jackson to his 7.25 million Twitter followers.
Actors Bobby Cannavale, Miles Teller, Patton Oswalt, Cristela Alonzo, and Rosie O'Donnell also joined the chorus of mourners.
House of Cards Cast And Creators React
For millennials and Netflix aficionados, Cathey was known for his performance of restaurant entrepreneur turned Underwood White House groundskeeper Freddie Hayes. In 2015, Cathey won the Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series Award for his work.
"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," wrote House of Cards creator Beau Willimon.
Cathey's fellow House of Cards co-star Michael Kelly added that it was an honor to know the actor and calling Cathey both a friend and brother.
Cathey's tragic death comes at a time of transition at Netflix's first original drama.
Actors Diane Lane and Greg Kinnear will be playing twins in the final season of the political drama. It is also expected that the writers will heavily focus on Robin Wright's character, President Claire Underwood, during its last season.
House of Cards will conclude due to former star Kevin Spacey's controversial sexual misconduct allegations, where both Netflix and the show's production company have terminated their relationship with the award-winning actor.
It is unknown if House of Cards will address Cathey's death in the upcoming final season.
