Isiah Whitlock Jr., best known for role on 'The Wire,' dies at 71

Actor Isiah Whitlock Jr., best known for his role on HBO's 2000s crime drama "The Wire," has died, his manager said Tuesday.

Actor Isiah Whitlock Jr., best known for his role on HBO's 2000s crime drama "The Wire," has died, his manager said Tuesday. He was 71.

"It is with tremendous sadness that I share the passing of my dear friend and client Isiah Whitlock Jr.," the manager said in a statement. "If you knew him — you loved him."

There were no details about the cause of death.

Whitlock's approachable presence came with a side of corruption on "The Wire." He portrayed Maryland state Sen. Clay Davis from 2002 to 2008 on the acclaimed crime drama created by journalist David Simon.

Whitlock's character was known for his trademark expression, a profanity that inspired the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum to release a 20th Anniversary Edition Isiah Whitlock, Jr. Talking Bobblehead in 2022, on the 20th anniversary of the catchphrase's debut on "The Wire."