Character actor Isiah Whitlock, Jr. died Tuesday in New York. He was 71.
His manager Brian Liebman confirmed Whitlock died peacefully following a brief illness.
Whitlock is best known for his role as crooked Baltimore Senator Clay Davis in HBO’s TV series “The Wire.”
He appeared in recurring scenes in Seasons 1-4 before joining the main cast in the final Season 5.
Davis popularized the phrase “Sheeee-it!” that became a viral meme on social media.
“I did it there, and I did it in She Hate Me,” Whitlock said in a 2008 interview. “But then, when I got on to The Wire, I saw a couple of opportunities where I could do it, and I did. And they started writing it in.”
His first TV role was a 1987 guest appearance on CBS’ Cagney & Lacey. He also appeared in multiple Spike Lee films and roles in such TV series as Veep, Your Honor and The Residence.
Whitlock’s last TV role was as the Chief of Police on Netflix’s White House murder mystery The Residence.
Isiah Whitlock Jr may you rest peacefully.
“He’s slick. Apologizes for the short con, and in the next breath setting us up for the long.”
Clay Davis was such a well written based on a real person character.
I had to do it though ?? pic.twitter.com/5idsUVT41p
— win a case (@2SweetScorpio) December 30, 2025
