Person Biography:
Born in Huntsville, Alabama, Reg E. Cathey was the son of an army veteran who had served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. His mother worked for the Department of Defense, and the family spent much of their early childhood living on a rural farmhouse in Germany.
Cathey's early fascination with theater began at the age of nine, when he attended a USO performance of "Guys and Dolls." He also started playing the saxophone that year and would later become a talented musician. Despite his passion for music, Cathey never pursued a career as a jazz musician, instead choosing to focus on acting.
Cathey attended the University of Michigan and later studied acting at the Yale School of Drama. He went on to become a respected stage actor, performing in a wide range of roles, including Prospero in a musical version of Shakespeare's "The Tempest" and Red in a British production of "The Shawshank Redemption."
In addition to his stage work, Cathey also appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "The Mask," "Tank Girl," "Se7en," "Fantastic Four," "The Wire," "Outcast," "House of Cards," and "Grimm." He was particularly notable for his recurring role as Freddy Hayes on "House of Cards," for which he won an Emmy Award in 2015.
Cathey was known for his distinctive voice and his ability to bring depth and nuance to his characters. He was also a passionate advocate for the arts and was involved in several charitable organizations.
Sadly, Cathey passed away in February 2018 at the age of 59, due to complications from lung cancer. Despite his untimely passing, he left behind a legacy as a talented and versatile actor who brought joy and inspiration to countless fans.
