Jason Kempin/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) — Actor Reg Cathey, who played Freddy Hayes on Netflix’s House of Cards, has died. He was 59.
Cathey, who had a distinctive baritone voice, had numerous television and film credits. He played Norman Wilson in seasons four and five of HBO’s The Wire, and also appeared in Grimm, The Mask, Seven, 2015’s Fantastic Four reboot and HBO’s The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.
In 2015, Cathey earned an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his role on House of Cards.
The Wire creator David Simon first tweeted, “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,” he said in a statement. “On wit alone, he could double any man over and leave him thinking. Reg, your memory is a great blessing.”
Beau Willimon, House of Cards creator, also shared his thoughts on the late actor.
“Reg Cathey was one of a kind,” he tweeted in a statement. “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.”
Actors Jeffrey Wright and Bobby Cannavale also tweeted their sadness at Cathey’s passing. Cannavale wrote, “We lost a sweet, sweet man and a sweet, sweet, SWEET artist today. Rest In Power, Reg E. Cathey We will miss you.”
Cathey was born in Hunstville, Alabama and studied theater at the University of Michigan and Yale School of Drama. One of his earliest roles was in the children’s television show Square One. That was followed by various guest roles in shows like Star Trek: The Next Generation and Homicide: Life on the Street.
According to TMZ, Cathey had been fighting lung cancer.
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