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Reggie McFadden, known for his appearances on the iconic sketch comedy show In Living Color, has passed away at 57.
On Sunday (Oct. 4), The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that McFadden’s sister, author Bernice McFadden, learned of her brother’s death after being notified by the U.S. State Department.
McFadden was pronounced dead in Tanzania, where he resided for the past 18 years after leaving the States. The cause of death has yet to be revealed.
A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., McFadden’s moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment and landed an early role in the 1990 thriller Jacob’s Ladder.
His rise as a comic coincided with comedy’s blossoming connection with hip-hop, as he made multiple appearances on the inaugural season of music mogul Russell Simmons’ television show Def Comedy Jam in 1992.
Earning additional credits via his work on the sitcoms Martin, Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper, Moesha, and Coach, McFadden was cast in In Living Color‘s fifth and final season, appearing in 23 episodes during his stint on the groundbreaking series.
McFadden’s later screen appearances include bit roles in the short-lived series Getting Personal, the 2000 Adam Sandler film Little Nicky, and an episode of Larry David’s hit HBO show Curb Your Enthusiasm.
He also appeared as himself on several late-night television shows throughout his career, including Late Show with David Letterman, Last Call with Carson Daly, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, and Tough Call with Colin Quinn.
McFadden later launched Olduvai Records, a gold-mining and entertainment production company, after moving to Tanzania.
