Actor Reg E Cathey has died aged 59.
The actor - best known for his roles in House of Cards and The Wire - passed away after battling lung cancer.
Cathey - whose full name was Reginald Eugene Cathey - played BBQ restaurant owner Freddy Hayes in House of Cards, in a role that earned him an Emmy for Outstanding Guest in 2015.
Over the course of a more than thirty year long career, he appeared in dozens of other TV shows and films, with his big screen appearances including the likes of 2015's Fantastic Four.
In 2009, he appeared as Red in a production of The Shawshank Redemption at The Gaiety Theatre in Dublin.
People from across the world of TV & film have been paying tribute to Cathey, including House of Cards creator Beau Willimon describing the performer as a 'fountain of talent'.
The Wire creator David Simon called him "one of the most delightful human beings with whom I ever shared some long days on set".
Reg Cathey, 1958-2018. Not only a fine, masterful actor -- but simply one of the most delightful human beings with whom I ever shared some long days on set. On wit alone, he could double any man over and leave him thinking. Reg, your memory is a great blessing. pic.twitter.com/OHEUbAhTg0
— David Simon (@AoDespair) February 9, 2018
Reg Cathey was one of a kind. Brimming with life force, generosity, humor, gravitas and a fountain of talent. Loved by everyone lucky enough know him and work with him. He will be greatly missed.
Rest In Peace, Reg. pic.twitter.com/p9DXFgDevP— Beau Willimon (@BeauWillimon) February 9, 2018
I worked with Reg once - one of my first plays, and he gave me a piece of advice that really stuck with me for some reason. No exaggeration, I think I've thought of him once on every job since. I guess it's impossible to predict one's impact. Thank you, Reg. https://t.co/Dw95BqOQIE
— John Cho (@JohnTheCho) February 10, 2018
Go gentle into that good night my brother. It was an honor spending time with you on set. Getting to know you as a person and an artist. You will be missed. Condolences to your family. I salute you. #Reg E. Cathey😢 https://t.co/4tNWpRoZrm
— Mike Colter (@realmikecolter) February 10, 2018
