Isiah Whitlock Jr

Isiah Whitlock Jr. is an esteemed American actor, recognized primarily for his portrayal of the corrupt state senator Clay Davis in the critically acclaimed HBO television series, The Wire. Whitlock's unique acting prowess is exemplified by his collaborations with the iconic director Spike Lee in several films. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated his versatility through a range of roles in notable films and television series, including Goodfellas, Pieces of April, 1408, Enchanted, Cedar Rapids, Pete's Dragon, Cars 3, The Old Man and the Gun, All Square, I Care a Lot, and Lightyear. Noteworthy television series in Whitlock's expansive portfolio include The Good Cop, Veep, Chappelle's Show, Your Honor, and diverse roles across the Law & Order franchise.

Whitlock embarked on his acting journey after enrolling in a theater course at Southwest Minnesota State University, due to injuries that halted his football career. His passion for acting led him to the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, post-graduation in 1976. An interesting facet of Whitlock's career is his establishment of a catchphrase derived from his character's distinctive pronunciation of the word 'shit'('sheeeeeeeee-it'). The 'Isiah Whitlock Jr. Endowed Scholarship' is now offered at SMSU, showcasing his significant contribution to the institution. In a demonstration of his popularity, Whitlock's Kickstarter bobblehead campaign, capitalizing his famous catchphrase, raised over $100,000.