Another piece of the golden era of Black comedy is gone.
The comedy world is mourning the loss of Reggie McFadden, the talented comedian and actor best known for his memorable appearances on Def Comedy Jam and In Living Color. McFadden died at age 57.
McFadden’s sister, author Bernice L. McFadden, confirmed his death to The Hollywood Reporter. According to his family, the U.S. State Department notified them that McFadden had died in Tanzania, where he had been living for approximately 18 years. His family has not been told when he died, and a cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
For many Black audiences who grew up during the comedy boom of the 1990s, McFadden was a familiar and hilarious presence. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, he pursued comedy after deciding he wanted to create a different path for himself.
His major breakthrough came in 1991 when he appeared on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, the groundbreaking series that became an important launching pad for some of the biggest Black comedians of the era.
McFadden later became part of the cast of Fox’s iconic sketch comedy series In Living Color. During the show’s fifth and final season from 1993 to 1994, he appeared in 23 episodes, taking on a variety of characters and sketches.
His television résumé extended well beyond In Living Color. McFadden made appearances on popular shows including Martin, Moesha, Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper, Coach, Getting Personal and Curb Your Enthusiasm. He also appeared in films including Jacob’s Ladder, Minor Adjustments, Little Nicky and Road Dogs.
In his later years, McFadden made Tanzania his home and pursued business ventures in entertainment and gold mining. He also released music through his Tanzania-based entertainment company, Olduvai Records, including the album ENJOY, Vol. 1 in 2025.
News of McFadden’s death marks another heartbreaking loss for a generation of entertainers who helped define Black comedy on television and the comedy stage during the 1990s.
From the raw stand-up of Def Comedy Jam to the boundary-pushing sketches of In Living Color, McFadden was part of an era that gave audiences unforgettable laughs while opening doors for countless comedians who followed.
He is survived by his sons, Jaron and Myles; his mother, Vivian; and his siblings Bernice, Misty and Kris.
Another piece of that golden era of Black comedy is gone, but the laughter Reggie McFadden gave the world will live on.
Y’all Know What extends heartfelt condolences to the McFadden family, his friends, fellow comedians, colleagues, and all those who grew up enjoying his work. May Reggie McFadden rest in peace.
