American comedian Reg E. Cathey, best known for his role as manager of a barbecue restaurant (Freddy Hayes) in “House of Cards”, died at the age of 59. The news was announced by David Simon, director of the series “The Wire”, in which he also played a role.
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
“Not just a good and talented actor, but just one of the most delightful people I’ve spent long days on the set,” tweeted the director. Actor Samuel L. Jackson highlighted “a brilliant actor, comedian and a friend, irreplaceable!”
The American suffered from lung cancer but the cause of his death was not specified.
In 2015, Reg E. Cathey won an Emmy award for his role in “House of Cards”. The main character Frank Underwood, played by Kevin Spacey, would regularly eat at his confidant’s house at “Freddy’s”.
In “The Wire” he played Norman Wilson, a political journalist. In addition to other series in which he appeared, he also played in the films “The Four Fantastic” and “Hands of Stone”.