Comedian Reggie McFadden Dies in Tanzania at 57
- Reggie McFadden, the comedian and actor whose career spanned stand-up stages, HBO's Def Comedy Jam, and a role on Curb Your Enthusiasm, died in Tanzania at the age...
- McFadden had lived in Tanzania for about 18 years prior to his death.
- Born and raised in Brooklyn, McFadden turned to comedy as a way out of the circumstances of his upbringing in the housing projects, according to his Comedy Store...
Reggie McFadden, the comedian and actor whose career spanned stand-up stages, HBO’s Def Comedy Jam,
and a role on Curb Your Enthusiasm,
died in Tanzania at the age of 57. His death was confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter by his sister, author Bernice McFadden, who stated that the U.S. State Department had notified the family of his passing.
Family Awaits Cause and Date of Death in Tanzania
McFadden had lived in Tanzania for about 18 years prior to his death. According to his sister Bernice McFadden, the family did not yet know the exact date or the cause of his death when the notification was received from the U.S. State Department.
From Brooklyn Projects to Television and Film Credits
Born and raised in Brooklyn, McFadden turned to comedy as a way out of the circumstances of his upbringing in the housing projects, according to his Comedy Store biography. After developing his act in New York, he moved to Los Angeles and broke out nationally through a 1991 appearance on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam.
That television exposure led to roles on series including Martin,
Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper,
Moesha,
and Coach.
McFadden also appeared in 23 episodes of Fox’s In Living Color
during the sketch comedy show’s final season, contributing to routines such as Wheel of Dozens
and All Up in the Family.
His later screen work included the short-lived Fox sitcom Getting Personal,
Adam Sandler’s comedy film Little Nicky,
and a Comedy Central Presents
stand-up special. On HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm,
he played Officer Burt, a neighbor to Larry David’s character.
Gold Mining and Entertainment Ventures in East Africa
During his years living in East Africa, McFadden identified himself as the owner of Olduvai Records, described on his Facebook page as a gold-mining and entertainment production company. Through the label, he released an album titled Enjoy, Vol. 1
in May 2025.
McFadden is survived by his sons, Jaron and Myles; his mother, Vivian; his sisters, Bernice and Misty; and his brother, Kris.