The late American actor Lance Solomon Reddick died of heart disease on March 17, 2023, aged 60. He was found dead at his home in Studio City, California.
The late actor is best known for playing Cedric Daniels in The Wire (2002–2008), Phillip Broyles in Fringe (2008–2013), and Chief Irvin Irving in Bosch (2014–2020). On the big screen, he played Charon in the John Wick franchise (2014–2025) and General Caulfield in White House Down (2013).
Lance Reddick’s cause of death
Lance Reddick was found dead at his home in Studio City, California, on March 17, 2023. The actor was 60 years old at the time. Initially, his death was presumed to be of natural causes. However, his death certificate mentions ischemic heart disease and atherosclerotic coronary artery disease as causes of death.
Ischemic heart disease, sometimes referred to as coronary artery disease or coronary heart disease, occurs when the heart's arteries narrow, limiting the heart muscle of enough blood and oxygen. This occurs when blood flow is restricted by plaque buildup in the coronary arteries. Breathlessness, chest discomfort, and other heart attack symptoms are among the symptoms that the illness might cause.
Disputed claims about Lance Reddick’s death
Even though Reddick’s death certificate claims his cause of death was heart disease and atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, his family has contradicted these claims. The family's lawyer claims that Reddick's habits and fitness are inconsistent with the cause of death, which was not established by an autopsy.
According to lawyer James Hornstein, Reddick was “the most physically fit person I’ve ever known.” He also claimed that the actor followed a strict diet and did a lot of aerobic exercises at his home gym every day. He claimed that when Reddick worked away from home, "the availability of gym facilities" was a "contractual requirement."
“The information appearing on the death certificate is wholly inconsistent with his lifestyle,” Hornstein stated. “On behalf of [Lance’s wife] Stephanie Reddick, the death certificate information is not corroborated and is inconsistent with the facts known to the family.”
Lance Reddick’s legacy
In honor of Reddick's contributions to cinema, the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films announced in January 2024 that it had established the Lance Reddick Legacy Award for the Saturn Awards presentation. The award "symbolizes and celebrates not only a performer's talent, but their character; someone who's a true goodwill ambassador in the industry." Reddick's co-star Keanu Reeves from John Wick: Chapter 4 was the first recipient of the honor, which was presented at the 51st Saturn Awards.
Reddick's memory was honored in the first-season finale of the Disney+ television series Percy Jackson and the Olympians. In one of his last television roles, which was released after his death, he played Zeus. When discussing his experience working with Reddick, show co-creator Rick Riordan said, "He had a marvelous and quirky sense of humor. He was considerate, compassionate, and incredibly insightful." Reddick's moments, he further stated, should "remind us of how much brilliance we have lost."
FAQs about Lance Reddick
Lance Reddick reportedly died of Ischemic heart disease according to his death certificate.
In the John Wick films, Lance Reddick played the character of Charon, the concierge of the Continental Hotel in New York city.
Lance Reddick was only 60 years old at the time of his death.
