‘In Living Color’ Star Reggie McFadden Passes Away in Tanzania as Comedy Community Remembers

For many viewers, the early 1990s marked a golden era of Black comedy on television, and Reggie McFadden was a significant part of that movement. His journey from performing at Brooklyn open mics to making appearances on HBO and network television exemplifies a classic success story in the comedy circuit.

Born on November 30, 1968, in Brooklyn, McFadden chose comedy as a means to escape his life in the projects, starting his career at open mic nights in Manhattan coffeehouses.

Sadly, McFadden’s career has come to an end. He passed away at the age of 57, with the news breaking on October 4. The comedy community has since been reflecting on his contributions.

His sister, best-selling author Bernice McFadden, shared with The Hollywood Reporter that the U.S. State Department informed the family of his passing in Tanzania, where he had resided for approximately 18 years.

The family is still awaiting information regarding the circumstances of his death, as they have not yet received details about when he passed or the cause.

McFadden’s breakthrough came in 1991 when he appeared on HBO’s ‘Def Comedy Jam’. This platform introduced a generation of Black stand-up comedians to mainstream audiences, and McFadden became one of its standout alumni.

After relocating to Los Angeles, he took on minor roles in shows like ‘Martin,’ ‘Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper,’ ‘Moesha,’ and ‘Coach.’ He also starred in the short-lived 1998 Fox comedy ‘Getting Personal.’

On the film front, he was featured in ‘Jacob’s Ladder,’ ‘Minor Adjustments,’ and ‘Little Nicky.’ His stand-up career continued to flourish, with performances on late-night shows and comedy showcases, including ‘Late Night with Conan O’Brien,’ ‘Late Show with David Letterman,’ ‘Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn,’ and ‘Last Call with Carson Daly.’

McFadden is perhaps best known for his role in ‘In Living Color,’ the iconic Fox sketch series created by Keenen Ivory Wayans. He joined the cast for the 1993-94 season, appearing in 23 episodes during its fifth and final season.

His memorable sketches included ‘Wheel of Dozens’ and ‘All Up in the Family,’ which kept him in front of the show’s large audience during its last run. For many fans, that season is how they recognize his face.

He also had a special on Comedy Central and performed frequently at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. His diverse credits showcase a performer who excelled across stand-up, sketch, sitcoms, and film.

Comic Tony Luewellyn paid tribute on Facebook, mourning McFadden as another lost veteran of the comedy community. Comedian Guy Torry publicly shared the news and remembered him as a talented writer, comedian, actor, father, and friend.

Writer, producer, comedian, and radio host Art Garfield also expressed his condolences on Facebook. Fans have been sharing their memories online, with many recalling his impactful work on ‘In Living Color’ and ‘Def Comedy Jam.’

In his later years, McFadden’s public endeavors shifted to Tanzania. According to The Hollywood Reporter, his Facebook page identified him as the owner of Olduvai Records, a company that merged gold mining with entertainment production.

He is survived by his sons Jaron and Myles, his mother Vivian, his sisters Bernice and Misty, and his brother Kris. The family is currently awaiting answers regarding his final days.

McFadden’s passing marks the loss of another influential figure from a pivotal moment in American comedy. The comedians who emerged from ‘Def Comedy Jam’ and ‘In Living Color’ helped redefine audience expectations for stand-up and sketch comedy, and he played a vital role in that evolution.

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