You may not recognize the name instantly but he was in a lot of stuff. Most notably (to others) he was in The Wire and House of Cards.
Most notably to me, because I’m a big dork, he was in Square One TV. For 30 years now every time I see him I only ever think of him as “the guy from Square One”.
He was only 59.
This dude is one of my favorite character actors. Always brought SUCH a memorable vibe to whatever role he was playing. I remember him best as Wilson from The Wire, the newspaper reporter turned sneaky backroom campaign manager; Querns from Oz, the corrupt warden in one of the later seasons who replaces McManus; and, strangely, as the homeless guy in the alley that Patrick Bateman stabs to death in a horrifically surreal scene in American Psycho. He had an awesome voice. One of those faces/voices you always recognize wherever he pops up because he’s so distinctive. Only 59, that’s way too young, too…probably a heavy cigarette smoker if his voice is any indication. RIP, Reg.
Yep, Square One TV is what I’ll always remember him for. I couldn’t make it far in The Wire, but I saw him in season 1 of House of Cards and he was delightful.
Only the good die young.
Don’t forget his pivotal role as the werewolf dad of Neon Joe, Werewolf Hunter.
I’m so glad I’m not the only one who remembers him most for Square One.
So that’s why I recognized the name.
I recognize him from his appearances on the L&O franchise.
I met him at a party years ago, without a clue of who he was. I found out later how many things he was in and how extremely well-loved and respected he was by his peers. I was really sorry to hear of his passing.
Here’s a “Life After People” type documentary narrated by Cathey:
I loved him in Square One. Unfortunately, I always confused him with Giancarlo Esposito.
RIP, Mr. Cathey.