Celebrity3 min(s) read
Fans mourn loss of 'national treasure' Isiah Whitlock Jr. as video from exactly a year ago goes viral
Fans around the world are expressing deep sadness after the death of beloved actor Isiah Whitlock Jr. The American actor, best known for playing Maryland State Senator Clay Davis on HBO’s The Wire, died on December 30, 2025, at the age of 71 in New York following a short illness, according to reports.
The news has reignited attention on a video posted on New Year’s Eve last year that has resurfaced after his death. The clip, shared by the X account @vidsthatgohard, shows Whitlock playing the board game Operation while being told it is now the year 2025.
His reaction - “Shiiiiiiit” - evoked the style of his iconic character Clay Davis and quickly went viral again with the caption: “Isiah Whitlock last year on New Years Eve, we really lost a national treasure.” The post struck a chord with many fans mourning his passing.
Whitlock’s career spanned more than four decades and included roles in hit television series and major films. While The Wire made him a cultural icon, he also appeared in the political comedy Veep as Defense Secretary George Maddox and had frequent collaborations with director Spike Lee in movies like 25th Hour, BlacKkKlansman and Da 5 Bloods.
Tributes pour in from fans and peers
Social media has been filled with tributes to Whitlock since news of his death broke. One fan wrote: “RIP to Isiah Whitlock Jr. Just an amazing character actor who is in one of my favorite movies of all-time, 25th Hour and my favorite show of all time, The Wire.”
Another posted: “Isiah Whitlock Jr. will forever (and rightfully so) be associated with The Wire, but I also adored the episode of Atlanta where he gets pressured into buying a fedora. A true icon on and off the screen.” A third fan penned: “R.I.P. Isiah Whitlock aka Senator Clay Davis, who gave us some of the greatest scenes in television history.”
Colleagues and fellow cast members have also shared their sadness. In The Wire, Whitlock’s Clay Davis became a fan favorite for his humorous and exaggerated delivery of his catchphrase, making the character unforgettable. Co-stars have reflected on his warmth and humor off screen as well, celebrating his generosity and spirit.
Legacy of a memorable performer
Whitlock’s roles extended beyond television to include memorable appearances in films such as Goodfellas, Cedar Rapids, Chi-Raq and Cocaine Bear, showcasing his range as an actor. He was also set to appear posthumously in projects like the Irish-American drama The Body Is Water.
Born in South Bend, Indiana, in 1954, Whitlock studied theater after earning a football scholarship, eventually training at the American Conservatory Theater before launching his prolific screen career. His death has left a void in the entertainment community, but the viral New Year’s Eve video and outpouring of fans’ reactions remind many of the joy and laughter he brought to audiences. Fans continue to celebrate his work and the unforgettable moments he created on screen.