Isiah Whitlock Jr. - Actor Profile

Isiah Whitlock Jr.

Acting
Freshness: Jan 21, 2026
50Total Films
8.5 Highest Rated
Born: Sep 13, 1954
Birth Place: South Bend, Indiana, USA

About Isiah Whitlock Jr.

Isiah Whitlock, Jr. (September 13, 1954 – December 30, 2025) was an American actor. He is most famous for his role on the HBO television series, The Wire as corrupt state senator Clay Davis. In 2011, Whitlock played an insurance agent named Ronald Wilkes in the film Cedar Rapids. Wilkes is a self-described fan of The Wire and does an impersonation of character Omar Little. Whitlock has said that the references to the series were written in before he became involved in Cedar Rapids. He is also notable for appearing in Spike Lee films She Hate Me and 25th Hour as Agent Amos Flood. In all three projects, Whitlock established a catchphrase from his characters' distinct pronunciation of the word "shit" ("sheee-it"). He appeared as Eugine, a supporting role, in the 2003 film Pieces of April. He had a bit part in Goodfellas as a doctor who gives Henry Hill a Valium while attending to his brother. In 2007, he played Ethan Banks in Enchanted. Whitlock made appearances on Chappelle's Show and played various characters on Law & Order and its' spinoff, Law & Order: SVU. He also appeared in promotional spots for the Wii video game Punch-Out!! portraying the character Doc Louis.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Isiah Whitlock Jr. reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Isiah Whitlock Jr.'s filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 40% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Isiah Whitlock Jr. remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in GoodFellas, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Isiah Whitlock Jr. Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Isiah Whitlock Jr.'s career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Isiah Whitlock Jr..

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2023 Cocaine Bear Bob Average Similar →
2022 Lightyear Commander Burnside (voice) Hit Similar →
2021 I Care a Lot Judge Lomax Hit Similar →
2020 Da 5 Bloods Melvin Hit Similar →
2020 The Lost Husband Russ McAllen Hit Similar →
2019 Run with the Hunted Lester Flop Similar →
2019 Corporate Animals Derek Flop Similar →
2019 Lying and Stealing Lyman Average Similar →
2018 All Square Scotty Average Similar →
2018 The Old Man & the Gun Detective Gene Dentler Average Similar →
2018 BlacKkKlansman Mr. Turrentine Super Hit Similar →
2017 Person to Person Buster Flop Similar →
2017 Cars 3 River Scott (voice) Hit Similar →
2017 CHiPs Peterson Average Similar →
2016 Pete's Dragon Sheriff Gene Dentler Average Similar →
2015 Chi-Raq Bacchos Average Similar →
2014 23 Blast Dr. Connelly Hit Similar →
2014 The Angriest Man in Brooklyn Yates Average Similar →
2013 Home Samuel Hit Similar →
2013 Thanks for Sharing Charles Average Similar →
2013 Europa Report Dr. Pamuk Average Similar →
2012 Not Fade Away Landers Flop Similar →
2012 Why Stop Now? Black Flop Similar →
2012 Red Hook Summer Detective Flood Flop Similar →
2011 Gun Hill Road Officer Thompson Average Similar →
2011 Detachment Mr. Mathias Super Hit Similar →
2011 Cedar Rapids Ronald Wilkes Average Similar →
2010 Twelve Detective Dumont Average Similar →
2010 Brooklyn's Finest Investigator #3 (as Isiah Whitlock) Average Similar →
2009 I Hate Valentine's Day Drummer Flop Similar →
2009 Under New Management Rev. A.L. Blunton Flop Similar →
2008 Cadillac Records Mississippi DJ Hit Similar →
2008 Choke Detective Palmer Average Similar →
2007 The Wire Odyssey Self Hit Similar →
2007 Enchanted Ethan Banks Hit Similar →
2007 1408 Hotel Engineer Hit Similar →
2006 Beautiful Ohio Mr. Lebreaux Flop Similar →
2005 Duane Hopwood William Average Similar →
2004 She Hate Me Amos Flood Flop Similar →
2003 Pieces of April Eugene Hit Similar →
2002 25th Hour Agent Flood Hit Similar →
2001 Jump Tomorrow George's Uncle Average Similar →
2001 WW3 - Flop Similar →
1999 Harlem Aria Manny Hit Similar →
1999 A Fish in the Bathtub Rudy Hit Similar →
1997 The Spanish Prisoner Trooper Hit Similar →
1996 Everyone Says I Love You Cop Average Similar →
1996 Eddie Rick Average Similar →
1990 GoodFellas Doctor Super Hit Similar →
1990 Gremlins 2: The New Batch Fireman Hit Similar →

Isiah Whitlock Jr. - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Isiah Whitlock Jr.?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Isiah Whitlock Jr. is "GoodFellas" with a rating of 8.5/10.

How many movies has Isiah Whitlock Jr. acted in?

Isiah Whitlock Jr. has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Isiah Whitlock Jr.?

Other notable films include "Detachment", "BlacKkKlansman", and "Harlem Aria".