The TV community is in mourning once again, as one of the small screen’s beloved performers has left us. Reg E. Cathey, perhaps best known for playingNorman Wilsonon HBO’sThe Wireand Freddy Hayes on Netflix’sHouse of Cards, passed away at the age of 59. The actor passed in his New York home, surrounded by family and friends. While no cause of death has been confirmed, early reports claim that the actor had been battling lung cancer.
Reg E. Cathey was born July 11, 2025 in Huntsville, Alabama, and spent part of his childhood in West Germany. He graduated from J.O. Johnson High School in Huntsville, Alabama in 1976, and then he attended the University of Michigan and the Yale School of Drama, where he studied theatre. He made his acting debut in the 1984 TV movieA Doctor’s Story, which the late actor followed up with a guest-starring spot onSpencer for Hirethat lead to a string of film roles inFunny Farm,Crossing Delancey,Me and Him,Penn and Teller Get Killed,Born on the Fourth of July,Astonished,Loose Cannons,Quick Change,What About Bob?,The Mask,Clear and Present Danger,Airheads,Tank Girl,Se7en, andIll Gotten Gains, before he was cast in an episode ofHomicide: Life on the Streetby David Simon. Cathey would go on to be the only actor to have a role in each of his projects, includingHomicide: The Movie,The Corner, andThe Wire. Here’s what David Simon had to say in a statement about the actor on social media.
“Reg Cathey, 1958-2018. 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. On wit alone, he could double any man over and leave him thinking. Reg, your memory is a great blessing.”
AfterHomicide: Life on the Street, he was cast in David Simon’sThe Corner, along with movies such asAmerican Psycho,Pootie TangandHead of State. He also starred as Martin Querns inOz, along with movies such asS.W.A.T.,The Machinist,The Cookout, along with other TV shows such as FX’s short-lived boxing dramaLights Out, NBC’sLaw & Order: Special Victims Unit, Cinemax’sBansheeand We’sThe Divide, before he was cast asFreddy Hayeson Netflix’sHouse of Cards. Reg won his first Emmy Award for his portrayal of Freddy, the owner ofFrank Underwood’s favorite BBQ restaurant. Here’s whatHouse of Cardscreator Beau Willimon had to say in his statement.
“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.”
Reg E. Cathey also starred as Dr. Franklin Storm in the 2015Fantastic Fourreboot,The Immortal Life of Henrietta LacksandFlock of Four. It isn’t known if the actor is survived by any children or other family members.TMZfirst reported on the actor’s death earlier today. Take a look at the tweets fromThe Wirecreator David Simon andHouse of Cardscreator Beau Willimon below.
