News feed
Reg E. Cathey, the actor who played Freddy Hayes on House Of Cards and Norman Wilson on The Wire, has died.
The 59-year-old’s passing was confirmed by colleagues and friends in the industry, who said he’d been battling lung cancer.
“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,” The Wire creator David Simon wrote.
“On wit alone, he could double any man over and leave him thinking. Reg, your memory is a great blessing.”
House of Cards creator Beau Willimon said “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.”
Samuel L Jackson tweeted “Shattered at the loss of Reg E. Cathey! Brilliant actor, humorist & friend! Irreplaceable! The ancestors about to be challenged!!”
Cathey is especially memorable as Freddy on House Of Cards, a role that won him an Emmy in 2015.
Beginning the series as a restaurant owner/chef and confidant of Kevin Spacey’s character Frank Underwood, Freddy ends up working for Underwood in the White House.
Over a career spanning three decades, he also had television roles in Law & Order, 30 Rock and Oz, and movies including Fantastic Four and Hands of Stone.
House Of Cards fans will remember the powerful season four scene where Freddy quits his job at the White House and tells Frank what he really thinks as he leaves.
RIP Reg.
