House of Cards Actor Reg E. Cathey Dead at 59

Reg E. Cathey is dead.

According to TMZ, the House of Cards actor died on Friday at his home in New York, and he was surrounded by his family and friends. Cathey was battling lung cancer.

The first person to confirm the news of the death was The Wire creator David Simon, who took to social media to share the sad story.

“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 on Twitter. “On wit alone, he could double any man over and leave him thinking. Reg, your memory is a great blessing.”

Cathey became a household name following his exceptional performances as Freddy in House of Cards; he owned Francis Underwood’s favourite BBQ joint in the series. In 2015, he won an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series back. Cathey also starred as a newspaperman turned Baltimore politician named Norman Wilson in the famous series, The Wire.

Some of those tho have taken to social media to mourn him includes House of Cards writer and creator Beau Willimon, who shared on this 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.”

Reg E. Cathey was 59.

reg. e. cathey