Isiah Whitlock Jr., an Indiana-bred actor who played politician Clayton “Clay” Davis on The Wire, is being remembered by friends and former colleagues as a performer who “set the tone and the bar.”
Whitlock’s manager, Brian Liebman, announced his death Tuesday, Dec. 30 on Instagram. Liebman said the actor was much more than a client, he was a “dear friend.”
“A brilliant actor and even better person. May his memory forever be a blessing,” Liebman wrote about Whitlock, 71.
The actor’s career spanned more than four decades and he had dozens of roles, yet was best known to fans for playing corrupt Maryland State Senator Clay Davis on The Wire. He appeared on 25 episodes of the HBO crime drama, according to is IMDb page.
In 2020, HBO posted a compilation reel on YouTube titled “Shit Clay Davis Says.” The fiery politician exuded confidence as he repeatedly said his famous line “Sheeeeeeeee-it.”
As news of Whitlock’s death spread, former colleagues celebrated his life on social media.
Wendell Pierce, who played Det. William “Bunk” Moreland praised the actor on X.
“I cannot find the words. Days ago I spoke with my friend and colleague. Attention, attention must finally be paid,” Pierce shared.
Andre Royo, who portrayed neighborhood addict Reginald “Bubbles” Cousins, wrote on X, “I can’t… another wire brother and friend. This hurts to no end but your memory will live forever in my heart. Hark the sound of an angel soars. #sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet. Love you legend Isiah Whitlock.”
Tray Chaney, who was known to fans as corner boy Malik “Poot” Carr, noted that Whitlock’s death came in the same month as James Ransone, who played dock worker Chester “Ziggy” Sobotka on the series. Ransone died on Dec. 19.
“No way!!!!!!! Isiah was a kind cool brother! Always showed love every time I seen em! This is tough to keep hearing about my fellow cast members transitioning back to back,” Chaney wrote on X.
Another poignant tribute came in an Instagram post from Sonja Sohn, who portrayed Det. Shakima ‘Kima’ Greggs. Sohn said Whitlock joined The Wire in a recurring role, yet turned his character “into an icon,” by making “bold, confident choices.”
She added, “Isiah’s portrayal of Clay Davis leapt off the screen and transcended the role itself – proving there are no small parts, only small actors – none of whom we ever had within our midst because there were OGs like Isiah who came along to set the tone & the bar through their work ethic and performances. #RIP my brother.”
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