Reggie McFadden, Actor-Comedian Known For ‘Def Comedy Jam,’ Dies At 57

Reggie McFadden, an actor and stand-up comedian known for his appearance on Def Comedy Jam and a season on the 1990s Fox sketch show In Living Color, has died at the age of 57.

His sister, best-selling author Bernice McFadden, told The Hollywood Reporter that the US State Department informed the family that Reggie died in Tanzania, where he had lived for the past 18 years.

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The family does not yet know when he died or what caused his death, Bernice said.

McFadden was born on November 30, 1968, and grew up in Brooklyn. According to an online biography, he chose comedy as a way to escape the projects.

He made his television debut on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam in 1991. After moving to Los Angeles, he appeared in minor roles on Martin, Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper, Moesha and Coach, among other shows.

McFadden’s most well-known work was on In Living Color. He appeared on the late-night sketch show during the 1993-94 season, featuring in 23 episodes of the fifth and final season.

His sketches on the show included “Wheel of Dozens,” “All Up in the Family” and the “Dirty Dozens Tournament of Champions.”

He later starred in Fox’s short-lived 1998 comedy Getting Personal and appeared in films including Jacob’s Ladder (1990), Minor Adjustments (1995) and Little Nicky (2000).

McFadden was also remembered for his role as Officer Burt, Larry David’s neighbour, in a 2001 episode of HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm.

The comedian had his own comedy special on Comedy Central and performed frequently at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

According to his Facebook page, McFadden owned Olduvai Records, a Tanzanian gold mining and entertainment production company.

The company’s website states that Olduvai Records signed a deal with Sony Music’s The Orchard in New York to distribute its music and audiovisual productions globally.

In May 2025, McFadden released an album titled ENJOY, Vol. 1, on the label.

“Reggie McFadden was a very talented, veteran comedian and actor whose diverse choices and dedication to his profession were very evident,” Prof. Rel Dowdell, director of film studies at Hampton University, said in a statement.

McFadden is survived by his sister, Misty; his sons, Jaron and Myles; his mother, Vivian; and his brother, Kris.