House of Cards Actor Reg E. Cathey Passes Away

Reg E. Cathey, who won an Emmy for his role on House of Cards, has passed away. TMZ has confirmed that the actor, who played Freddy Hayes on the Netflix series, passed way on Friday after a battle with lung cancer. He was fifty-nine.

Cathey was also known for his work on HBO’s The Wire and Oz, though it was House of Cards that won him an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2015. Cathey was nominated for three straight years for the role of Frank Underwood’s favorite D.C. cook.

Cathy grew up in West Germany after being born in Huntsville, Alabama. After acting in high school, he went on to study the craft at the University of Michigan and Yale School for Drama. His professional career began with a role in on the 1980s and 1990s PBS educational show Square One, which helped kids learn math. From there, he went on to become a celebrated character actor with guest roles in series like Star Trek: The Next Generation, Roc, Homicide: Life on the Street and ER, and in films like The Mask, Tank Girl and Pootie Tang. Cathey also had a role as Franklin Storm in Josh Trank’s Fantastic Four film.

The Wire creator David Simon posted after news of Cathey’s passing broke:

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. On wit alone, he could double any man over and leave him thinking. Reg, your memory is a great blessing. pic.twitter.com/OHEUbAhTg0

— David Simon (@AoDespair) February 9, 2018

On behalf of 411, our condolences to the family, friends and fans of Mr. Cathey.