Reggie McFadden, the actor and stand-up comedian who got his big break Def Comedy Jam and worked for a season on the 1990s Fox sketch series In living color, died. He was 57 years old.
Her sister, bestselling author Bernice McFadden, said The Hollywood Reporter that the U.S. State Department informed the family that he had died in Tanzania, where he had lived for approximately 18 years. The family does not yet know when he died or what was the cause, she added.
Born November 30, 1968, McFadden grew up in Brooklyn and decided to pursue comedy to escape life in the projects, according to a biography posted online.
In 1991 he appeared on HBO Def Comedy Jamand after moving to Los Angeles, he landed small roles in Martin, Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper, Moesha And Coachamong other television shows.
However, McFadden is perhaps best remembered for In living color. He was on the late-night show in 1993-94, appearing in 23 episodes of the fifth and final season in sketches such as “Wheel of Dozens”, “All Up in the Family” and “Dirty Dozens Tournament of Champions”.
He then starred in the short-lived Fox comedy in 1998. Get personal and appear in films including Jacob’s Ladder (1990), Minor adjustments (1995) and Little Nicky (2000).
He is also remembered for his role as Officer Burt, Larry David’s neighbor, in a 2001 episode of the HBO series. Limit your enthusiasm.
McFadden had his own comedy special on Comedy Central and performed regularly at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
According to his Facebook page, he owned Olduvai Records, a gold mining and entertainment production company in Tanzania. Its website states that Olduvai has signed with Sony Music’s The Orchard in New York for worldwide distribution of its musical and audiovisual productions. McFadden released an album, ENJOY, Vol. 1, on the label in May 2025.
“Reggie McFadden was a very talented veteran comedian and actor whose diversity of choices and dedication to his profession were very evident,” Professor Rel Dowdell, director of film studies at Hampton University, said in a statement.
Besides Bernice, survivors include another sister, Misty; his sons, Jaron and Myles; his mother, Viviane; and his brother, Kris.
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