The Brooklyn-born stand-up comic had lived in Tanzania for years, and his family said his cause of death remained unknown.
NEW YORK — Reggie McFadden, a stand-up comedian and actor whose television career included HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam” and the final season of the sketch series “In Living Color,” has died at age 57, according to his family.
McFadden’s sister, author Bernice L. McFadden, confirmed his death after the family was notified by the U.S. State Department. He had been living in Tanzania for about 18 years. His sister said the family had not been given details about when or exactly where he died, and a cause of death had not been released.
Born Nov. 30, 1968, in Brooklyn, New York, McFadden built his career in stand-up before moving into television and film. His breakthrough came through HBO’s influential “Def Comedy Jam,” where he appeared during the early years of a series that provided national exposure to a generation of Black comedians. His performance helped open the way for television roles and wider recognition.
McFadden joined “In Living Color” during its fifth and final season, appearing in 23 episodes from 1993 to 1994. Created by Keenen Ivory Wayans, the Fox sketch-comedy series became a major part of American pop culture and helped launch or expand the careers of performers including Jim Carrey, Jamie Foxx and members of the Wayans family.
His television work extended well beyond the sketch series. McFadden appeared on sitcoms including “Martin,” “Coach,” “Hanging with Mr. Cooper” and “Moesha.” He also had a role in “Getting Personal,” the late-1990s sitcom starring Vivica A. Fox, Jon Cryer and Duane Martin. In 2001, he appeared on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” playing a police officer and neighbor of Larry David’s character.
McFadden also worked in film, with credits including “Jacob’s Ladder” in 1990 and the Adam Sandler comedy “Little Nicky” in 2000. He continued performing stand-up and had a Comedy Central special. His television appearances also included multiple visits to “The Late Show With David Letterman,” a milestone McFadden had pursued through repeated auditions before finally appearing on the program.
McFadden eventually stepped away from the American entertainment industry. His sister told the Los Angeles Times that the family last saw him in 2007 and knew he was living in Tanzania but had limited information about his life there. She said his death far from home was difficult for the family, particularly his mother and children.
News of his death prompted remembrances from people familiar with his work. Actor Isaiah Washington posted a tribute to McFadden and credited the comedian with introducing him to his late wife, Jenisa Garland, in 1995. McFadden’s sister also said she was touched by the attention and affection shown for her brother after news of his death became public.
McFadden is survived by his sons, Jaron and Myles; his mother, Vivian; and siblings Bernice, Misty and Kris, according to reports citing his family. Further details surrounding his death had not been released as of Wednesday, and his family was awaiting additional information from U.S. officials.
Author note: Last updated October 7, 2026.