Reggie McFadden, the comedian and actor known for his work on Def Comedy Jam and In Living Color, has died at the age of 57. McFadden, who built a career across stand-up, television and film during the 1990s, had been living in Tanzania for nearly two decades.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, McFadden turned to stand-up comedy after growing up in the city’s housing projects. He gained wider recognition after appearing on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam in 1991, following which he moved to Los Angeles and began taking on acting roles.
McFadden’s sister, author Bernice L McFadden, confirmed his death to The Hollywood Reporter after the US State Department notified the family that he had died in Tanzania. The family has not been informed when or how he died, and a cause of death has not been disclosed.
His most prominent television credit came with Fox’s sketch comedy series In Living Color. McFadden appeared in 23 episodes during the show’s fifth and final season from 1993 to 1994, taking on multiple characters in sketches including “Wheel of Dozens” and “All Up in the Family.”
He subsequently appeared in several popular television shows, including Martin, Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper, Coach, Moesha and Curb Your Enthusiasm. He also featured in films such as Jacob’s Ladder and Little Nicky, besides starring in the short-lived Fox sitcom Getting Personal. McFadden also had a Comedy Central Presents special and performed regularly in Las Vegas.
In his later years, McFadden made Tanzania his home and was involved in gold mining and entertainment production. He also released an album, ENJOY, Vol. 1, in 2025. He is survived by his sons Jaron and Myles, mother Vivian, sisters Bernice and Misty, and brother Kris.
