...
Lance Reddick, a character actor on TV and cinema who specialized in focused, frigid, and perhaps evil authority figures on shows like "The Wire," "Fringe," and the "John Wick" trilogy, has died. He was 60.
Reddick died "suddenly" Friday morning, according to his agent Mia Hansen, who attributed his death to natural causes. There were no other details supplied.
Wendell Pierce, Reddick's "The Wire" co-star, paid homage on Twitter. "A guy of immense power and elegance," he described himself. "As talented a musician as he was an actor. The epitome of class." "John Wick — Chapter Four" director Chad Stahelski and actor Keanu Reeves said they were "deeply saddened and heartbroken at the loss" and dedicated the future picture to Reddick.
Throughout his career, Reddick was frequently cast in suits or pristine uniforms, playing tall, taciturn, and stylish men of distinction. He was most recognized for his portrayal of straight-laced Lt. Cedric Daniels on HBO's "The Wire," where his character was agonizingly stuck in the murky politics of the Baltimore police department.
“The Wire” creator David Simon eulogized Reddick on Twitter: “Consummate professional, devoted collaborator, lovely and gentle man, loyal friend. Could go on, but no, I can’t go on. This is gutting. And way, way, way too soon.”
“I’m an artist at heart. I feel that I’m very good at what I do. When I went to drama school, I knew I was at least as talented as other students, but because I was a Black man and I wasn’t pretty, I knew I would have to work my butt off to be the best that I would be and to be noticed,” Reddick was quoted to have said to the Los Angeles Times sometime in 2009.
Reddick has also appeared as a special agent Phillip Broyles on Fox's "Fringe," as the well-dressed Matthew Abaddon on "Lost," and as the multi-skilled Continental Hotel concierge Charon in Lionsgate's "John Wick" films, including the fourth in the series, which will be released later this month.
In a statement released by Lionsgate: “The world of Wick would not be what it is without Lance Reddick and the unparalleled depth he brought to Charon’s humanity and unflappable charisma. Lance leaves behind an indelible legacy and hugely impressive body of work, but we will remember him as our lovely, joyful friend and Concierge.”
In 2021, Reddick was nominated for a SAG Award as part of the ensemble for Regina King's film "One Night in Miami." He had recurrent appearances on "Intelligence" and "American Horror Story," and he appeared on "Bosch" for seven years.
His forthcoming projects include a remake of "White Guys Can't Jump" for 20th Century Fox and "Shirley," a Netflix dramatization of former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. He was also set to star in "Ballerina," a spinoff of "John Wick," as well as "The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial."
Reddick, who was born and reared in Baltimore, graduated from Yale University's acting department and found success after graduation by securing guest or recurring parts on "CSI: Miami" and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." He also had roles in films such as "I Dreamed of Africa," "The Siege," and "Great Expectations."
Reddick's professional breakthrough came in season four of "Oz," when he played a hapless undercover detective sent to prison who becomes an addict.
“I was never interested in television. I always saw it as a means to an end. Like so many actors, I was only interested in doing theater and film. But ‘Oz’ changed television. It was the beginning of HBO’s reign on quality, edgy, artistic stuff. Stuff that harkens back to great cinema of the ’60s and ’70s,” he told The Associated Press in 2011.
“When the opportunity for ‘Oz’ came up, I jumped. And when I read the pilot for ‘The Wire,’ as a guy that never wanted to be on television, I realized I had to be on this show.”
Reddick studied classical composition and played the piano at the famed Eastman School of Music. His debut album, "Contemplations and Remembrances," was released in 2011.
On the CBS series "Intelligence," he played Jeffrey Tetazoo, the head of the Central Intelligence Agency. On "American Horror Story: Coven," he played Papa Legba, who acts as a liaison between humans and the spirit realm.
His wife, Stephanie Reddick, and children, Yvonne Nicole Reddick and Christopher Reddick, survive him.
Stahelski and Reeves, in a statement provided to EW stated: "We are deeply saddened and heartbroken at the loss of our beloved friend and colleague Lance Reddick.
"He was the consummate professional and a joy to work with. Our love and prayers are with his wife Stephanie, his children, family and friends. We dedicate the film to his loving memory. We will miss him dearly," Stahelski and Reeves concluded.
The celebrity website TMZ.com broke the news of his death first.
Add new comment