Reggie McFadden, the comedian and actor remembered for his work on In Living Color, has died at 57.
His sister, Bernice McFadden, confirmed his death to The Hollywood Reporter. She said the family was informed by the U.S. State Department that McFadden had died in Tanzania, where he had been living for several years.
A cause of death has not been announced.
McFadden built a career across television, film and stand-up comedy, appearing in several popular shows and movies after gaining recognition as part of the In Living Color cast in the 1990s.
Reggie McFadden Was Part of ‘In Living Color’
Born in Brooklyn, McFadden appeared on In Living Color during the show’s 1993–1994 run.
The Fox sketch comedy series, created by Keenen Ivory Wayans, became one of the defining comedy programs of its era. Known for its large ensemble and fast-paced sketches, the show helped launch or raise the profiles of numerous comedians and performers.
McFadden played different characters during his time on the series, becoming part of the show’s rotating cast of comedic performers.
Although his stint lasted only a short time, In Living Color remained one of the most notable credits of his career.
His Television Career Extended Beyond ‘In Living Color’
McFadden continued working in television after leaving the sketch comedy series.
His credits included appearances on Martin, Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper, Coach, Moesha, Getting Personal and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
These roles allowed him to work across several different styles of television comedy, from traditional sitcoms to ensemble and observational comedy.
He also appeared in films, including the 1990 psychological thriller Jacob’s Ladder and the 2000 Adam Sandler comedy Little Nicky.
McFadden Also Worked as a Stand-Up Comedian
Acting was only one part of McFadden’s career.
He performed stand-up comedy and became a regular performer in Las Vegas. He also had a comedy special on Comedy Central, adding another chapter to a career that stretched beyond his television appearances.
For McFadden, comedy remained a central part of his professional life even as his work took him into different areas of entertainment.
He Had Been Living in Tanzania
McFadden spent his later years in Tanzania.
According to information shared on his Facebook page, he was involved in business there and was described as the owner of a gold mining company and an entertainment production company.
His move to Tanzania marked a different phase of his life from the years when he was working regularly in American television and film.
It was also where he died, according to the information provided to his family by the U.S. State Department.
Comedians Remember McFadden
Following news of his death, fellow performers began sharing tributes.
Comedian Tony Luewellyn remembered McFadden on Facebook, calling him a fellow comedian and a veteran of the comedy community.
The tributes reflect McFadden’s connection to a generation of comedians who worked across stand-up, television and film during the 1990s and 2000s.
Reggie McFadden’s Cause of Death Has Not Been Revealed
Details about McFadden’s final days remain limited.
His sister confirmed that he died in Tanzania, but the family has not publicly disclosed a cause of death. Until additional information is released, speculation about how he died should be treated cautiously.
McFadden was 57.
For audiences who remember him from In Living Color, as well as those who saw him in shows such as Martin and Moesha, his death marks the loss of a performer whose career reached across several corners of American comedy and entertainment.
