Reggie McFadden, 'In Living Color' Comedian, Dies in Tanzania at 57
Reggie McFadden, the stand-up comedian who rose to fame on HBO's "Def Comedy Jam" and Fox's "In Living Color," has died in Tanzania. He was 57.
His sister, author Bernice McFadden, confirmed his death after the family was notified by the U.S. State Department, according to TMZ. She said the department "did not indicate when or how Reggie had died."
What We Know About His Death
McFadden had been living in the East African country of Tanzania for about 18 years. The exact date and official cause of his death have not been released.
Bernice McFadden said her brother had been estranged from the family for some time before his death.
Fellow comedian Art Garfield shared on Facebook that McFadden's brother, Kris, told him McFadden "caught pneumonia in Africa and refused treatment," according to Soap Central. That account has not been confirmed by officials.
Garfield also shared a text McFadden sent him in December 2023 that began, "Garfield, I hope all is well with you and yours." In the message, McFadden asked for help tracking down people who had seen his early "Def Comedy Jam" performances.
A Rising Star of '90s Comedy
Born in Brooklyn in 1968, McFadden broke through in the early 1990s with an appearance on HBO's "Def Comedy Jam," the stand-up showcase that helped launch a generation of Black comedians. The show, produced by Russell Simmons and originally hosted by Martin Lawrence, became known for its raw, high-energy sets in front of packed crowds.
In 1993, he joined the cast of "In Living Color" for its fifth and final season. The show aired on Fox from 1990 to 1994 and was famous for sketches like "Men on Film" and "Fire Marshal Bill." McFadden appeared in 23 episodes, including segments like "Wheel of Dozens" and "Dirty Dozens Tournament of Champions." The groundbreaking series, created by Keenen Ivory Wayans, also helped make stars of Jim Carrey, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Lopez and Marlon Wayans.
McFadden went on to guest-star on popular sitcoms of the era, including "Martin," starring Martin Lawrence, as well as "Hangin' With Mr. Cooper," "Moesha" and "Coach." In 1998, he appeared in the Fox comedy "Getting Personal."
In 2001, he played Officer Burt on HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" opposite Larry David. His film credits included "Jacob's Ladder" and the Adam Sandler comedy "Little Nicky."
He also headlined stand-up shows in Las Vegas, including at Caesars Palace, and had his own Comedy Central special.
A New Life in Africa
After stepping away from Hollywood, McFadden built a very different life in Tanzania. He launched Olduvai Records, which he described as an entertainment production and gold mining company, and he was listed as CEO of Bonanza Gold Mining Company. The record label shares its name with Olduvai Gorge, the famous archaeological site in northern Tanzania.
He stayed connected to entertainment, too. In May 2025, he released an album titled "ENJOY, Vol. 1," with distribution through Sony Music's The Orchard. In his final social media post in January, he described himself as a "gold billionaire."
Survivors
McFadden is survived by his mother, Vivian; his sisters, Bernice and Misty; his brother, Kris; and his sons, Jaron and Myles.
For fans who grew up watching late-night stand-up and prime-time sketch comedy in the 1990s, McFadden was part of one of comedy's most influential eras, a time when shows like "Def Comedy Jam" and "In Living Color" changed what audiences saw on television.
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