The Wire and House of Cards Actor Reg E. Cathey Dies at 59

Actor Reg E. Cathey has passed away at the age of 59.

Cathey, most known for his baritone voice, appeared in the early seasons of House of Cards on Netflix and played prison guard Norman Wilson on HBO's critically acclaimed The Wire. His cause of death was not immediately available to press.

The Wire creator David Simon was one of the first to acknowledge the news on Twitter and sent out a touching response to his followers. "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," Simon write. "On wit alone, he could double any man over and leave him thinking. Reg, your memory is a great blessing."

House of Cards creator Beau Willimon soon followed suit, saying, "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."

Cathey won an Emmy for his performance in House of Cards and scored two other nominations for the same role. His other credits include Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Star Trek: The Next Generationand Grimm.

He was a native of Huntsville, Ala., and studied theater at both the University of Michigan and Yale School of Drama.