Reggie McFadden cause of death: Comedian dies in Tanzania at age 57
The comedian died in Tanzania after living there for nearly two decades
Reggie McFadden spent years making audiences laugh on some of the most influential comedy shows of the 1990s. Now, his family is mourning his death while still trying to understand exactly what happened.
McFadden’s sister, author Bernice McFadden , said the family was contacted Sunday by the U.S. State Department and informed that the comedian had died in Tanzania, where he had reportedly lived for around 18 years.
She said officials didn't tell the family when he died or provide a cause of death.
Bernice also acknowledged that McFadden had been estranged from relatives for some time, making the news even more difficult to process.
He is survived by his mother, Vivian, sisters Bernice and Misty, brother Kris, and sons Jaron and Myles.
McFadden found breakthrough on ‘Def Comedy Jam’
Born and raised in Brooklyn, McFadden turned toward comedy after growing up around the realities of life in New York’s housing projects.
His major breakthrough came in 1991 when he appeared on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, a series that became a major launching point for Black stand-up comedians during the era. TV opportunities followed quickly.
McFadden appeared on shows including Martin, Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper, Moesha and Coach before landing one of his most recognizable jobs on Fox’s In Living Color.
He appeared in 23 episodes between 1993 and 1994, playing a range of characters during the sketch comedy show’s final season.
McFadden later starred in the 1998 Fox sitcom Getting Personal and appeared opposite Larry David in a 2001 episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm. His film credits included smaller roles in Jacob’s Ladder and Adam Sandler’s Little Nicky.
Comedy came from watching people closely
McFadden once explained that his material was shaped by curiosity and a willingness to put himself in unfamiliar situations.
“Before I started doing comedy, I would go on what I would call adventures,” he told the Los Angeles Times in 1996. “I would hang out with somebody I didn’t know or I would go into an abandoned building.”
“I would get on the train and get off at the last stop and walk around the neighborhood and meet people,” he added. “When you do that, you learn things.”
Years spent performing also made McFadden unusually selective about what he found funny.
“Because I’ve worked in the comedy clubs, because I’ve heard every joke in the world, because I’m a comedian, it’s really hard to make me laugh now,” he said.
“If it’s not funny, I’m not laughing. [It’s like,] go back to comedy school!”
McFadden ’s family is still seeking more information about his death, and no cause has been announced.
