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Hollywood Mourns Isiah Whitlock Jr.: Viola Davis & Spike Lee Pay Tribute

Veteran actor Isiah Whitlock Jr. has passed away at the age of 71 in New York. Viola Davis led tributes, calling him a "wonderful actor and even better person," while longtime collaborator Spike Lee shared a heartfelt message. Whitlock was known for his roles in several Spike Lee films, including "Da Five Bloods" and "BlackKkKlansman," and had a notable career spanning "Goodfellas" and voice work for Pixar. His manager confirmed the news, stating he was "a brilliant actor and even better person" who will be deeply missed.

Key Points: Isiah Whitlock Jr. Dies at 71: Hollywood Tributes

  • Veteran actor dies at 71
  • Tributes from Viola Davis & Spike Lee
  • Roles in Spike Lee's films
  • Voice work in Pixar movies
2 min read

Viola Davis mourns demise of Isiah Whitlock Jr., calls him a "wonderful person"

Viola Davis & Spike Lee mourn actor Isiah Whitlock Jr., known for roles in "Da Five Bloods," "BlackKkKlansman," and "Goodfellas." He was 71.

"Wonderful actor and even better person. Rest well Isiah! - Viola Davis"

Los Angeles, January 1

The demise of veteran actor Isiah Whitlock Jr. left Hollywood extremely sad.

Offering condolences, actor Viola Davis took to Instagram and wrote, "Wonderful actor and even better person. Rest well Isiah! Your lifeforce will be missed."

Spike Lee also paid tribute to his longtime collaborator Isiah Whitlock Jr.

Lee shared a photo of himself with Whitlock on Instagram on Tuesday, writing, "Today I Learned Of The Passing Of My Dear Beloved Brother ISIAH WHITLOCK. GOD BLESS."

Whitlock played small roles in several of Lee's films, including "Red Hook Summer," "Chi-Raq," "She Hate Me" and "25th Hour."

His two major roles in Lee's filmography came with "Da Five Bloods," in which he plays Vietnam veteran Melvin alongside Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, Clarke Peters and Norm Lewis, and "BlackKkKlansman," in which he starred as police officer Mr. Turrentine alongside Alec Baldwin, John David Washington and Robert John Burke, as per Variety.

Isiah Whitlock Jr. breathed his last on Tuesday in New York at the age of 71.

The news of his demise was shared by his manager, Brian Liebman. Taking to Instagram, he wrote, "It is with tremendous sadness that I share the passing of my dear friend and client Isiah Whitlock Jr. 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."

Whitlock also appeared as a doctor in Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas and held roles in Chappelle's Show, Pieces of April, and Enchanted. He lent his voice to Pixar's Cars 3 and Lightyear and most recently to Hoppers, the studio's animated sci-fi comedy scheduled for release in 2026.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
A brilliant character actor. His role in 'Da Five Bloods' was so powerful. These supporting actors are the backbone of great films. Condolences to his family and friends.
A
Aman W
It's always heartbreaking when an artist passes. The tributes from Viola Davis and Spike Lee show how loved he was. Om Shanti.
S
Sarah B
I had no idea he voiced characters in Pixar movies! What a versatile career. He seemed like a genuinely wonderful person from all the tributes.
K
Karthik V
While it's sad, I do wish Indian media gave this much coverage to our own veteran character actors when they pass. We have so many legends who deserve this recognition too.
N
Nisha Z
His manager's words "If you knew him -- you loved him" are so touching. That's the best legacy anyone can leave behind. Heartfelt condolences. 🌹

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