Tributes have been paid to The Wire star who died after a short illness
Bradley Jolly Overnight News Editor and Cheryl Mullin
06:39, 31 Dec 2025Updated 06:42, 31 Dec 2025
Isiah Whitlock Jr was a Hollywood legend, whose career spanned more than four decades(Image: Getty Images)
The Wire star Isiah Whitlock Jr has died aged 71 following a brief illness.
The star, who also featured in films including Goodfellas, I Care a Lot and Pieces of April, died yesterday, Tuesday December 30, in New York City. He gained widespread recognition for his memorable portrayal of dodgy senator Clay Davis in the acclaimed 2000s crime drama The Wire, which garnered numerous accolades.
The Wire received a BAFTA nomination for Best International Show in 2009, though it was pipped to the post by Mad Men.
Isiah, who hailed from South Bend, Indiana, remained with The Wire for six years. Following his tenure on the programme, he went on to feature in thriller series Rubicon, comedy-drama The Good Cop and Netflix’s The Residence amongst other productions.
The actor’s representative, Brian Liebman, confirmed Isiah’s death. He praised him as “a brilliant actor and even better person”, reports the Mirror.
Isiah Whitlock Jr. played dodgy senator Clay Davis on The Wire
Mr Liebman added: “He was loved by all who had the pleasure to work with or know him. He will be greatly missed.”
He spearheaded tributes to the Hollywood legend, whose impressive career stretched over four decades.
Isiah’s character in The Wire, the corrupt senator, became synonymous with his signature exclamation, “she*******t”. Clay Davis was notorious for accepting backhanders in the crime series, yet remained shielded by fellow high-ranking politicians and Baltimore Police Commissioner Ervin Burrell.
The adaptable actor also enjoyed regular parts in series such as Veep, Your Honor, and Atlanta. He worked with esteemed director Spike Lee on numerous occasions, featuring in projects like 25th Hour, BlacKkKlansman, Da 5 Bloods, and Chi-Raq.
It was his role in the 2002 film 25th Hour that gave birth to Whitlock Jr’s iconic “sh*******t,” a unique take on the expletive.
In an interview back in 2008, the star disclosed that his distinctive way of uttering the swear word was simply an imitation of his Uncle Leon.
Whitlock Jr embarked on his acting journey by joining the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco after completing his university studies. His first significant screen appearance came in 1987 with a guest spot on CBS’ Cagney and Lacey.
Over the past three and a half decades, he has been a constant presence on television, making countless guest appearances including on the Law and Order franchise, with multiple episodes on the original series, Special Victims Unit and Criminal Intent.
Most recently, the actor graced the screen in Elizabeth Banks’ dark comedy Cocaine Bear and will soon lend his voice to the Pixar/Disney animated feature Hoppers.