Earlier this week, he chose not to attend the film’s New York premiere.

Reddick’s best-known role was playing Baltimore police lieutenant Cedric Daniels in HBO’s hit crime drama The Wire.

He had originally auditioned for the roles of Bubbles and Bunk Moreland. 

Reddick’s TV roles also included Oz, Lost, and Bosch and a lead role in the sci-fi drama Fringe.

Before his death, he also filmed the part of Zeus for the upcoming TV adaptation of Percy Jackson.

On the big screen, Reddick’s credits included White House Down, Sylvie’s Love, Brother to Brother and a role in the blockbusting John Wick franchise. As well as his posthumous performance in the fourth film, he is believed to have filmed a role for a spin-off, Ballerina, led by Ana de Armas. He will also be seen in the upcoming remake of White Men Can’t Jump.

The Wire creator David Simon released a statement to the Hollywood Reporter to express his grief. He wrote:

A consummate professional, a devoted collaborator, a lovely soul and a friend. This is just gutting and way, way, way too soon for any of us who knew and loved him to contemplate.

Wendell Pierce, Reddick’s co-star in the show paid tribute to him on Twitter.

A man of great strength and grace. As talented a musician as he was an actor. The epitome of class. A sudden unexpected sharp painful grief for our artistic family. An unimaginable suffering for his personal family and loved ones. Godspeed my friend. You made your mark here. RIP

Another fellow cast member Isiah Whitlock Jr wrote:

Shocked and saddened by the news that Lance Reddick has passed away. Truly heartbreaking. R.I.P. My friend. You will be missed. Godspeed.

Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn also tweeted:

Lance Reddick was an incredibly nice guy, and an incredibly talented actor. This is heartbreaking. My love goes out to all his family, friends and collaborators.

Reddick is survived by his wife, Stephanie, and children, Yvonne Nicole and Christopher.

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