Reggie McFadden, Actor-Comedian Known for ‘Def Comedy Jam’ and ‘In Living Color,’ Dies at 57
Actor and stand-up comedian Reggie McFadden has died aged 57 in Tanzania, where he had lived for about 18 years. His sister said the family was informed by the US State Department, but does not yet know when he died or the cause; his death marks the loss of a performer remembered for major 1990s comedy programmes.
McFadden’s breakthrough came on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam in 1991, followed by television roles and appearances on In Living Color, where he featured in 23 episodes during the show’s final season in 1993-94. His credits also included Getting Personal, Curb Your Enthusiasm and films such as Jacob’s Ladder and Little Nicky. He later owned a music and entertainment company in Tanzania and released an album in May 2025; he is survived by his mother, siblings and two sons.
- Reggie McFadden has died aged 57 in Tanzania.
- His family does not know when or how he died.
- He appeared in 23 episodes of In Living Color.
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Reggie McFadden was a stand-up comedian and actor who became known in the 1990s for appearances on two influential American comedy television programmes. His breakthrough came on HBO's Def Comedy Jam in 1991, a stand-up showcase that launched many comedy careers, and he later appeared in 23 episodes of In Living Color during its final season in 1993-94, the sketch comedy series that was a launching pad for many comedians and actors.
His credits included television work on Curb Your Enthusiasm and films such as Jacob's Ladder and Little Nicky. He later relocated to Tanzania, where he lived for roughly two decades and established a music and entertainment company, releasing an album in May 2025.