Def Comedy Jam and ‘In Living Color’ Star Reggie McFadden Dies At 57
Actor and stand-up comedian Reggie McFadden, famed for his appearance on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam and Fox’s iconic sketch series In Living Color, has passed away. He was 57.
This was confirmed by his sister, best-selling author Bernice McFadden, who told The Hollywood Reporter that the family was informed of his death by the US State Department. McFadden died in Tanzania, where he had resided for the last 18 years.
According to his sister, the family is yet to ascertain the exact date and cause of his death.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: Temi Nkem Wins BBNaija Season 11, Takes Home N160m Grand Prize
Born on November 30, 1968, and raised in Brooklyn, New York, McFadden turned to comedy as an escape from the projects.
He got his big break in 1991 when he debuted on Def Comedy Jam, and later moved to Los Angeles where he landed guest roles in popular sitcoms including Martin, Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper, Moesha and Coach.
He is best known for his stint on In Living Color during its fifth and final season in 1993-94, where he featured in 23 episodes and appeared in memorable sketches like “Wheel of Dozens” and “All Up in the Family.”
His other credits include Fox’s short-lived 1998 comedy Getting Personal, films such as Jacob’s Ladder (1990) and Little Nicky (2000), and a memorable role as Officer Burt in a 2001 episode of HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm. He also had his own Comedy Central special and was a regular performer at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
Outside comedy, McFadden owned Olduvai Records, a Tanzanian gold mining and entertainment company which recently signed a global distribution deal with Sony Music’s The Orchard. He released an album titled ENJOY, Vol. 1 on the label in May 2025.
Tributes have continued to pour in for the late comedian. Prof. Rel Dowdell, director of film studies at Hampton University, described him as “a very talented, veteran comedian and actor whose diverse choices and dedication to his profession were very evident.”
He is survived by his mother Vivian, sisters Bernice and Misty, brother Kris, and sons Jaron and Myles.
