Reggie McFadden, Stand-Up Comic and 'In Living Color' Star, Dies at 57
Comedian and actor Reggie McFadden, known for his work on 'Def Comedy Jam' and 'In Living Color,' has passed away at 57. The U.S. State Department notified his family of his death in Tanzania, where he had lived for nearly two decades.
Veteran comedian and actor Reggie McFadden, widely recognized for his breakthrough performances on HBO's Def Comedy Jam and his season on the hit 1990s Fox sketch series In Living Color, has passed away at the age of 57. According to reporting by The Hollywood Reporter, McFadden’s sister, best-selling author Bernice McFadden, shared that the U.S. State Department notified the family of his death in Tanzania, where the entertainer had resided for approximately 18 years.
The family noted that they do not yet know the cause or exact date of his passing. Born on Nov. 30, 1968, McFadden grew up in Brooklyn, New York. According to an online biographical profile, he initially pursued stand-up comedy as a creative escape from living in the projects. His career gained national momentum in 1991 when he made his television debut on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam. After relocating to Los Angeles, McFadden joined the cast of In Living Color for its 1993–94 season, appearing in 23 episodes during the show's fifth and final run.
Among his notable performances on the sketch comedy series were roles in popular segments including Wheel of Dozens, All Up in the Family, and the Dirty Dozens Tournament of Champions. McFadden expanded his presence across television and film throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. The actor made guest appearances on classic sitcoms such as Martin, Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper, Moesha, and Coach. He later starred in the 1998 Fox comedy series Getting Personal and appeared as Larry David’s neighbor, Officer Burt, in a 2001 episode of HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm.
His film credits include roles in Jacob’s Ladder in 1990, Minor Adjustments in 1995, and Little Nicky in 2000. McFadden also headlined his own Comedy Central stand-up special and performed regularly at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. In his later years, McFadden established an overseas business presence in Tanzania. Details from his Facebook page and official company information state that he owned Olduvai Records, a gold-mining and entertainment production enterprise.
Olduvai Records partnered with Sony Music’s The Orchard in New York for global distribution of its music and audiovisual projects, and McFadden released the album ENJOY, Vol. 1 on the imprint in May 2025. Commenting on McFadden's career legacy, Prof. Rel Dowdell, director of film studies at Hampton University, stated: 'Reggie McFadden was a very talented, veteran comedian and actor whose diverse choices and dedication to his profession were highly evident.' Survived by his mother Vivian, sisters Bernice and Misty, brother Kris, and sons Jaron and Myles, McFadden leaves behind a rich comedic record across 1990s television. Kulture Newz has not independently confirmed additional details regarding the circumstances of his death beyond official family communications.