Fans were shocked on Friday at the news that Lance Reddick passed away from natural causes at the age of 60. The actor, whose work spanned over two decades, appeared in such popular series as The Wire, The West Wing, and The Blacklist.
Recently, however, he has been beloved as Charon in the John Wick franchise. Always cool under pressure, with a voice you won’t soon forget, he’s been one of the best parts of an altogether outstanding series of films. In a film that’s filled with violence and revenge, his presence was always calming. Even soothing. While somehow still making it absolutely clear that you should not push him. (He is good with guns, after all.) Plus, his character seems to love dogs almost as much as Wick himself, and how could you not love that?
Reddick will also be appearing as Zeus in the upcoming Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. The series won’t release on Disney+ until sometime next year, but I couldn’t think of better casting for the King of the Gods. And while I certainly hope that the series is good enough to root for a second season (the teaser-trailer, at least, has me excited), there’s no question his presence will be missed.
Among those mourning Reddick’s passing is fellow John Wick actor Keanu Reeves, who released a statement that the upcoming fourth film in the franchise (releasing March 24) will be dedicated to the late actor. The Wire co-star Wendell Pierce took to Twitter to express his grief.
And of course fans of his work in film, televison, and video gams took to Twitter to express their own shock and grief.
But perhaps Patton Oswalt said it best:
