Actor Isiah Whitlock Jr., Who Made "Sheee-it" Famous on 'The Wire,' Dies at 71
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Isiah Whitlock Jr., the actor best known for portraying the corrupt politician Clay Davis on the TV series *The Wire*, has died. He was 71.
Whitlock played Maryland State Senator Davis across all five seasons of the acclaimed crime drama. The character was famous for his unique, drawn-out pronunciation of a swear word: "Sheee-it."
The role made Whitlock's delivery an iconic part of television history. While many characters are remembered for catchphrases, few are identified by a single, distorted exclamation.
Whitlock's acting career spanned decades in film, television, and theater. However, his performance as the venal, charming Senator Davis remains his most recognized work.