Actor Reg E. Cathey had a career that spanned four decades. Sadly, at the young age of 59, Mr. Cathey succumbed to lung cancer surrounded by friends and family.

Michael McKean (This is Spinal Tap) tweeted his respects:

Reg Cathey was my friend and my wife’s friend and a great actor. I am very very sad. RIP, Reg.

— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) February 9, 2018

Reg portrayed many poignant secondary characters through his vast career including Freddy on Netflix House of Cards, the BBQ slamming cook who was there to listen to Frank during the early seasons. The role also garnered him a 2015 Emmy for outstanding guest actor and nominations in 2014 & 2016.

He was also known for his roles as Chief Giles on the Cinemax hit, Outlander, and Norman Wilson on seasons 4 and 5 of The Wire. On the big screen, Cathey helmed parts in The Mask, the 2015 reboot of Fantastic Four, and most recently Tyrel, a 2018 Sundance Film Festival feature.

Reg E. Cathey was born August 18, 1958 in Huntville, Alabama. The acting bug struck him in high school where he played in To Kill a Mockingbird. Cathey then went on to attend the University of Michigan and the Yale School of Drama. His first major acting gig was in the TV movie, A Doctor’s Story.