Spike Lee
Isiah Whitlock Jr., 'The Wire' actor known for 'sheeeee-it' catchphrase, dies at 71
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Isiah Whitlock Jr., the character actor best known for portraying the corrupt State Sen. Clay Davis on HBO's 'The Wire'—complete with his signature elongated 'sheeeee-it'—has died in New York at age 71. His manager confirmed he passed peacefully after a short illness, and longtime collaborator Spike Lee paid tribute to him as his 'dear beloved brother.'
Isiah Whitlock Jr., the actor celebrated for his portrayal of corrupt senator Clay Davis on HBO's 'The Wire'—famous for his drawn-out 'sh**t'—has died at age 71. He passed away on December 30, 2025, in New York following a short illness, his manager confirmed. 'A brilliant actor and even better person,' Brian Liebman said.
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Beloved actor Isiah Whitlock Jr., iconic for his role as the corrupt Senator Clay Davis on HBO's 'The Wire,' has passed away at 71. He died peacefully in New York after a short illness, his manager confirmed to Deadline. Fans are flooding social media with tributes to his unforgettable catchphrase and versatile career.