'One of a Kind' House of Cards Star Dies at 59

As Freddy Hayes, he served up barbecue to Frank Underwood on House of Cards, while on The Wire he served as right-hand man to Mayor Tommy Carcetti. Now, sad news out of New York: Actor Reg E. Cathey died there at age 59 after fighting lung cancer, TMZ reports. The creator of The Wire, David Simon, said to be "extremely close" to Cathey, announced his death on Twitter: "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."

Per CNN, House of Cards creator Beau Willimon also commented on Cathey's passing, tweeting, "Reg Cathey was one of a kind. Brimming with life force, generosity, humor, gravitas and a fountain of talent." Few other details about the death of Cathey, who was a character actor in Hollywood for more than three decades, have been made available. (More obituary stories.)