Actor known for roles in ‘The Wire’ and ‘House of Cards’

Reg E. Cathey, known for playing Norman Wilson on the HBO series “The Wire” from 2006 to 2008, has died at 59.

The death of the actor, known for his deep gravelly voice, was reported by the show’s creator, David Simon.

“Reg Cathey, 1958-2018. 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. On wit alone, he could double any man over and leave him thinking. Reg, your memory is a great blessing,” read a tribute Simon wrote Friday evening on Twitter.

Cathey also played Scalio on the 2000 HBO miniseries “The Corner,” based on the book about a Baltimore family caught up in the drug wars that was coauthored by Simon.

He went on to play Freddie in the Netflix series “House of Cards” from 2013 to 2016 and won an Emmy for that role in 2015. In 2017, he had the role of Zakariyya in the HBO movie “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” about a Baltimore woman whose cancer cells, harvested without the family’s knowledge, led to many medical breakthroughs.

Cathey was born in Huntsville, Ala., according to his official profile on IMDb.com The site said he died in New York, but did not list a cause. Various news reports said he died of lung cancer.

He also had roles in the films “Fantastic Four,” “Tank Girl” and “S.W.A.T.,” as well as roles in many television series.

Others who knew Cathey took to Twitter to offer remembrances.

Beau Willimon, creator of “House of Cards,” wrote: “Reg Cathey was one of a kind. Brimming with life force, generosity, humor, gravitas and a fountain of talent. Loved by everyone lucky enough to know him and work with him. He will be greatly missed.”

GETTY FILE Actor Reg E. Cathey died on Friday.