Actor and comedian Reggie McFadden, best known for his appearances on In Living Color and Def Comedy Jam, has died at the age of 57.
McFadden’s sister, author Bernice McFadden, confirmed his death to The Hollywood Reporter, saying the family was informed by the US State Department that he had died in Tanzania, where he had lived for about 18 years. The family does not yet know when he died or the cause of death.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1968, McFadden began performing stand-up before getting his major television breakthrough on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam in 1991.
He later moved to Los Angeles, where he secured roles on popular television shows including Martin, Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper, Moesha and Coach.
McFadden became particularly recognised for his work on the fifth and final season of In Living Color, appearing in 23 episodes between 1993 and 1994. He portrayed different characters in sketches including “Wheel of Dozens” and “All Up in the Family.”
His other credits included films such as Jacob’s Ladder and Little Nicky, as well as an appearance on Curb Your Enthusiasm, where he played Officer Burt, a neighbour of Larry David.
McFadden also performed regularly in Las Vegas and had his own Comedy Central Presents special.
In later years, he settled in Tanzania and established Olduvai Records, an entertainment and gold-mining company. He released an album, ENJOY, Vol. 1, in 2025.
He is survived by his mother, three siblings and two sons.
