Actor Lance Reddick, known for his intense and icy portrayals of authority figures in TV shows and movies, has passed away at the age of 60. His publicist, Mia Hansen, announced that Reddick died suddenly on Friday morning due to natural causes, but no further details were provided.
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Upon hearing the news of his passing, many of Wendell Pierce's co-stars and directors expressed their condolences. Pierce, who worked with Reddick on "The Wire," took to Twitter to honor him, saying he was a man of "great strength and grace." Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves, the director and star of "John Wick – Chapter Four," respectively, dedicated the upcoming film to Reddick, expressing their "deep sorrow and grief" at his death.
An artist at heart
Born and raised in Baltimore, Reddick was a graduate of Yale University's drama school and initially found success landing guest or recurring roles on shows such as "CSI: Miami" and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." However, it was his role on season four of "Oz" that proved to be a career breakthrough. He portrayed a law enforcement officer who was sent to prison and became addicted to drugs as a result of his unfortunate circumstances.
Reddick went on to have recurring roles in the series "Intelligence" and "American Horror Story," and was a part of the cast of "Bosch" for its seven-season run. He was nominated for a SAG Award in 2021 as part of the cast of Regina King's movie "One Night in Miami."
Reddick's film credits included "The Siege," "I Dreamed of Africa," and "Great Expectations." He gained notoriety for his portrayal of Lt. Cedric Daniels in the HBO series "The Wire." His character was ensnared in the complex politics of the Baltimore police force. He also starred on the Fox series "Fringe" as a special agent Phillip Broyles and played the Continental Hotel concierge Charon in Lionsgate's "John Wick" movies as well as the fourth installment in the series is set to be released later this month.
A multi-talented artist
Reddick was not just an actor but also a talented musician, having studied classical composition at the prestigious Eastman School of Music and played the piano. In 2011, he released his debut album, "Contemplations and Remembrances," which had a jazzy sound.
In a 2009 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Reddick expressed his belief that he was an artist at heart and that he was very good at what he did. He went on to explain that when he attended drama school, he was aware that he had to work harder than his peers due to his race and physical appearance. He was determined to be the best he could be and to be noticed.
TMZ.com was the first to report the news of his passing. He had two upcoming projects in the works, 20th Century's remake of "White Men Can't Jump" and Netflix's biopic of former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, titled "Shirley." He was scheduled to star in the "John Wick" spinoff "Ballerina" and the adaptation of the Herman Wouk novel "The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial."
That same year, Reddick also appeared in the film "I Dreamed of Africa," alongside Kim Basinger, and in "The Siege," with Denzel Washington and Annette Bening. He later starred in "Great Expectations," a modern retelling of the classic Charles Dickens novel.
Reddick was also an accomplished musician and attended the prestigious Eastman School of Music, where he studied classical composition and played piano. He released his first album, the jazzy "Contemplations and Remembrances," in 2011.
Stephanie Reddick is left to mourn the loss of her husband, along with their two children, Yvonne Nicole Reddick and Christopher Reddick.
Tributes from fellow actors and directors poured in following news of his death. Wendell Pierce, Reddick's co-star on "The Wire," called him "a man of great strength and grace" in a tribute on Twitter. Chad Stahelski, the director of "John Wick - Chapter Four," and the film's star, Keanu Reeves, also expressed their condolences and dedication to the upcoming film in Reddick's honor.
Reddick's publicist, Mia Hansen, announced his sudden passing on Friday morning, attributing it to natural causes. No further details have been provided.
Reddick is set to star in 20th Century's remake of "White Men Can't Jump" and Netflix's biopic of Shirley Chisholm, titled "Shirley."
With his powerful on-screen presence and impeccable performances, Lance Reddick will be remembered as a talented actor who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
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