Reggie McFadden, ’90s Comedy Star of ‘In Living Color’ and ‘Def Comedy Jam,’ Dies at 57 in Tanzania
Developing story first seen 48 minutes ago
Reggie McFadden, the comedian and actor known for “In Living Color” and “Def Comedy Jam”, has died aged 57. His sister says the family was told by the US State Department that he died in Tanzania, where he had lived for about 18 years; they do not yet know when he died or the cause.
McFadden made his television debut on “Def Comedy Jam” in 1991 and appeared in 23 episodes of the final season of “In Living Color” in 1993–94. His credits also included “Martin”, “Moesha”, “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and films such as “Jacob’s Ladder” and “Little Nicky”. He performed in Las Vegas, released an album in 2025 and ran a gold-mining and entertainment company in Tanzania.
- Reggie McFadden has died aged 57 in Tanzania.
- His family has not been told when or how he died.
- He appeared in 23 episodes of “In Living Color”.
New here? Start with this
Reggie McFadden was a comedian and actor known for his work in 1990s television. He became recognisable to audiences through his characters on the sketch comedy series 'In Living Color' and through performances on 'Def Comedy Jam,' both landmark programmes of that decade.
'In Living Color' was an influential sketch comedy series that helped establish the careers of many comedians during the 1990s. 'Def Comedy Jam,' meanwhile, was a stand-up comedy programme that became particularly significant as a platform for Black comedians to gain recognition and build their careers.
McFadden had been living in Tanzania for approximately eighteen years prior to his death. Few details about his life there or the circumstances of his death have been made public.
Coverage
- Deadline — Reggie McFadden Dies; ‘In Living Color’ Comedian Was 57
- The Hollywood Reporter — Reggie McFadden, Actor-Comedian Known for ‘Def Comedy Jam’ and ‘In Living Color,’ Dies at 57