Actor And Comedian Reggie McFadden Dies At 57: McFadden Worked On “In Living Color”, “Def Comedy Jam” And More

Reggie McFadden, the versatile stand-up comedian and actor who rose to national prominence in the 1990s through definitive performances on Def Comedy Jam and Fox’s landmark sketch show In Living Color, has died. He was 57.

His sister, best-selling author Bernice McFadden, confirmed that the family was notified of his passing by the U.S. State Department. McFadden had spent nearly the last two decades living in Tanzania, where he operated Olduvai Records, a gold-mining and entertainment production enterprise. At the time of reporting, the exact date and cause of death remain unknown to the family, who had been largely estranged from the comic since 2007.

Born on November 30, 1968, in Brooklyn, McFadden frequently spoke of comedy as his refuge from the hardships of growing up in the borough’s housing projects. His sharp wit and animated delivery quickly caught the attention of the entertainment industry, leading to a breakout run on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam.

His comedic range earned him a coveted spot in the cast of In Living Color during its fifth and final season, where he showcased his talent for impression and character work. McFadden became a fixture on the late-night television circuit, delivering stand-up sets on Late Night with Conan O’Brien and the Late Show with David Letterman.

Beyond the stand-up stage, McFadden established himself as a solid screen presence. Audiences recognized him from guest roles on quintessential 1990s sitcoms including Martin, Moesha, Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper, and Coach. In 2001, he made a memorable appearance on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm as Officer Burt, the neighbor of Larry David. His film credits span a diverse range of genres, including roles in the psychological horror film Jacob’s Ladder (1990), the romantic drama The Inkwell (1994), and Adam Sandler’s comedy Little Nicky (2000).

In his later years, McFadden stepped away from Hollywood to pursue business ventures in East Africa, securing a distribution deal for his record label through Sony Music’s The Orchard.

McFadden is survived by his mother, Vivian; his siblings, Bernice, Misty, and Kris; and his two sons, Jaron and Myles. Funeral and memorial arrangements have not yet been announced.