‘The Wire’ And ‘House Of Cards’ Star Reg E. Cathey Has Died At 59
There are plenty of actors who don’t become household names but bring rich talent to the table as character actors that everyone recognizes.The WireandHouse of CardsstarReg E. Catheywas one of those actors, and sadly he’s no longer with us.
Reg E. Cathey has passed away at age 59 after a battle with cancer, taking away the deep, hypnotizing voice who has an eclectic career spanning film and television. We look back on his career below.
Varietyconfirmed the news of Reg E Cathey dead afterThe WirecreatorDavid Simonmade the revelation:
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.pic.twitter.com/OHEUbAhTg0
— David Simon (@AoDespair)July 15, 2025
Cathey was born in Alabama and began his acting aspirations early with a role in a high school production ofTo Kill a Mockingbird, followed by attending the University of Michigan and the Yale School of Drama.
His acting career began on screen in a TV movie in 1984 calledA Doctor’s Story, and for the next couple of decades he would take on various bit parts and supporting roles in films likeFunny Farm, Born on the Fourth of July, What About Bob?, Clean Slate, The Mask, Airheads, Tank Girl, Se7enandAmerican Psycho.
On television, he recurred on shows like HBO’s comedyArli$$and the prison dramaOz, but his breakthrough role saw him playing Barry K. Word on the acclaimed seriesThe Wire. After that he appeared on shows likeLights Out, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Person of Interest, GrimmandThe Divide. But perhaps his best known performance was his role as Freddy on Netflix’s political dramaHouse of Cards, for which he earned three Emmy nominations and one win. CreatorBeau Willimonmourned the loss of Cathey on Twitter:
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.pic.twitter.com/p9DXFgDevP
— Beau Willimon (@BeauWillimon)July 10, 2025
More recently, Cathey appeared inArbitrage, St. Vincent,the reboot ofFantastic Four, the HBO TV movieThe Immoral Life of Henrietta Lackswith Oprah Winfrey, and he starred on the seriesOutcast. And the actors has a couple more performances in the can, includingFlock of Fourfrom the Austin Film Festival and the recently premieredTyrelfrom the 2018 Sundance Film Festival.
Cathey was a gifted actor who brought a quiet intensity to some characters and friendly charisma to others, all while keeping a low profile. That kind of talent is hard to find in a town where everyone just wants to be the next big thing. This is truly a loss for Hollywood, and our thoughts go out to Cathey’s friends and family during this difficult time.
