Actor Lance Reddick, best known for his roles in “The Wire” and “John Wick,” has passed away at 60-years-old.
When Reddick died suddenly from natural causes on March 17, the outpouring of grief from colleagues and co-workers showed a different side to him than one commonly seen in characters he played on the big screen: a loving, gentle, and funny man.
David Simon, the creator of “The Wire,” posted his heartbreak on Twitter.
“Consummate professional, devoted collaborator, lovely and gentle man, loyal friend. Could go on, but no, I can’t go on. This is gutting. And way, way, way too soon,” Simon wrote.
Stephanie Reddick, his wife, posted a heartfelt Instagram post, thanking fans for their support and messages.
“John Wick Chapter 4” premiered in Los Angeles on March 20, swapping the usual fanfare and glitz of the red carpet for a sobering tribute to Reddick, who played Charon in the movie series.
Attendees were provided deep blue ribbons to wear in honor of Reddick. According to the entertainment website JoBlo, Jim Drake, chair at Lionsgate, opened the premier with a standing ovation and tribute to Reddick’s contributions to the film.
“There have been a lot of tears,” Drake said. “There have been a lot of moments of guilt reflection. Tonight what I would like you to do, however, is make a loud, honoring, grateful applause for a man who was an absolutely extraordinary human being, extraordinary actor, and a big part of this franchise.”
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Reddick was born to a musician father and a schoolteacher mother in Baltimore, Maryland. He obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Eastman School of Music and a Master of Fine Arts from the Yale School of Drama.
While best known as an actor, Reddick was also a talented and accomplished musician. He released several albums, including “The Maestro” and “Contemplations and Remembrances.”
He received several award nominations for his work on “The Wire,” and eventually won a Black Reel Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor for his role in “Angel has Fallen.”
Reddick supported numerous charities, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Sag-Aftra Foundation, and MOMCares, a non-profit dedicated to providing lifesaving services to Black women’s maternal health issues.
Stephanie Reddick has stated MOMCares was Reddick’s most favored charity on her Instagram, requesting any donation fans may choose to make be directed to the non-profit.
Reddick is survived by his wife, two children, and his much-loved dogs. Funeral arrangements are being made privately by the family.
