House Of Cards Star Reg Cathey Dead At 59

The beloved actor has sadly passed away.

On Friday, Feb. 9, 2018, TMZ reported that Reg Cathey had died at the age of 59 following a battle with lung cancer. According to the gossip rag, he was surrounded by family and friends at his home in New York at the time of his passing. 

Cathey was best known for his role of Freddy, the owner of Frank Underwood's favorite BBQ joint, on House of Cards — a renowned performance which won him an Emmy in 2015 for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series. He also played a prominent part on the acclaimed drama The Wire as politician Norman Wilson.

The Wire creator David Simon confirmed the news of his death on Friday afternoon. "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," he wrote in a moving message on Twitter. "On wit alone, he could double any man over and leave him thinking. Reg, your memory is a great blessing."

In a reply to Simon's post, The Wire star Sonja Sohn wrote, "1,000,000 times over. Masterful storyteller...an amazing life and human being. Truly a loss for the world."

House of Cards creator Beau Willimon also paid tribute to Cathey. "Reg Cathey was one of a kind," he tweeted. "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."

On Friday evening, Hollywood mourned its loss on social media. Luke Cage star Mike Colter tweeted, "Go gentle into that good night my brother. It was an honor spending time with you on set. Getting to know you as a person and an artist. You will be missed. Condolences to your family. I salute you. #Reg E. Cathey."

Meanwhile, Better Call Saul star Michael McKean wrote, "Reg Cathey was my friend and my wife's friend and a great actor. I am very very sad. RIP, Reg."

With a career spanning over three decades, Cathey was known for a number of notable roles in film and television, including The Mask, Oz, and Fantastic Four. He was most recently seen in the Cinemax series Outcast and HBO's The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. Cathey also boasted several Off-Broadway theater credits, and he made his Broadway debut in the 2000 production of The Green Bird.

Our thoughts are with Cathey's loved ones during this difficult time.