Reggie McFadden, Veteran 'In Living Color' and 'Def Comedy Jam' Comedian, Dies at 57

Reggie McFadden, a versatile comedian and actor whose sharp humor helped define iconic 1990s television shows including "Def Comedy Jam" and "In Living Color," has died at the age of 57.

As reported by theGrio and originally confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter by his sister, author Bernice L. McFadden, the U.S. State Department formally notified his family that McFadden passed away in Tanzania. McFadden had been living in the East African country for the past 18 years. According to reporting from theGrio, his family does not currently know the exact date of his passing or his cause of death.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, McFadden initially turned to stand-up comedy as a deliberate career choice to avoid ending up in the public housing projects across the street from his neighborhood. His early dedication to comedy paid off when he earned a national spotlight in 1991 on HBO’s landmark stand-up series "Def Comedy Jam." According to his biographical profile on The Comedy Store website, McFadden received an invitation to perform on the series and established himself as a huge hit right away.

Following his success on "Def Comedy Jam," McFadden joined the cast of the groundbreaking sketch comedy series "In Living Color," which was created by Keenen Ivory Wayans. McFadden performed in 23 episodes during the show's fifth and final season from 1993 to 1994, taking on a variety of original characters and showcasing his comedic range to millions of viewers.

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, McFadden maintained a steady presence on network television, appearing in several popular series that resonated deeply with television audiences. His television acting resume included appearances on hit shows such as "Martin," "Moesha," "Coach," and "Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper." McFadden also starred in the comedy series "Getting Personal," where he shared the screen with co-stars Vivica A. Fox, Jon Cryer, and Duane Martin.

McFadden’s acting talent extended to feature films as well, with credits in movies such as "Jacob’s Ladder" and the comedy "Little Nicky." In 2001, he made a notable guest appearance on the HBO comedy series "Curb Your Enthusiasm," playing the role of Officer Burt, a neighbor of creator Larry David’s lead character.

Beyond his acting credits, McFadden continued to build his legacy on the stand-up stage. He starred in his own Comedy Central stand-up special and delivered routines on multiple late-night television programs.

In the later chapter of his life, McFadden made his home in Tanzania. During his 18 years living abroad, he engaged in private business ventures within the entertainment sector as well as gold mining operations.

McFadden is survived by his family, including his sons Jaron and Myles, his mother Vivian, and his siblings Bernice, Misty, and Kris.