Isiah Whitlock Jr., best known for ‘The Wire,’ dies at 71

Isiah Whitlock Jr., best known for his roles in ‘The Wire’ and several Spike Lee films, has died after a short battle with illness.

Actor Isiah Whitlock Jr., who was best known for his role in the HBO Series “The Wire,” has died at age 71.

Whitlock Jr.’s agent Brian Liebman announced his passing in an Instagram post on Tuesday.

“It is with tremendous sadness that I share the passing of my dear friend and client Isiah Whitlock Jr.,” Liebman wrote. “If you knew him - you loved him. A brilliant actor and even better person. May his memory forever be a blessing. Our hearts are so broken. He will be very, very missed.”

In an email to The Associated Press, Liebman said Whitlock Jr. died in New York after a short illness.

Whitlock Jr. worked as an actor for years before his breakout role as corrupt politician Clay Davis in the HBO series “The Wire” between 2002 and 2008. He became known for his signature profane phrase: “Sheeeeeeeee-it.”

Whitlock Jr. also appeared in numerous Spike Lee films, including Chi-Raq, BlacKkKlansman and Da 5 Bloods.

In an Instagram post, Spike Lee called Whitlock Jr. “his dear beloved brother.”

In the HBO political satire “Veep,” Whitlock Jr. appeared opposite Julia Louis-Dreyfus as U.S. Secretary of Defense George Maddox.

Whitlock Jr. was born on Sept. 13, 1954 in South Bend, Ind. Other credits include roles in Goodfellas, Chappelle’s Show and the Law & Order franchise.

With files from the Associated Press