Pixar Actor & Spike Lee Collaborator Isiah Whitlock Jr. Dies

Actor Isiah Whitlock Jr., known for his role in The Wire and frequent collaborations with Spike Lee, has died at age 71.

Isiah Whitlock Jr.

Whitlock’s manager Brian Liebman told Deadline that he passed peacefully after a short illness.

“Isiah was a brilliant actor and even better person,” Liebman said. “He was loved by all who had the pleasure to work with or know him. He will be greatly missed.”

Whitlock’s Disney credits include the role of Ethan in Enchanted, one half of a divorcing married couple Giselle convinces to get back together. He was Sheriff Gene Dentler in the 2016 live-action Pete’s Dragon. He portrayed Agent Flood in Disney’s 25th Hour, directed by Spike Lee. For Pixar, he voiced veteran racer River Scott in Cars 3 and Commander Burnside in Lightyear.

He voices Bird King in Pixar’s upcoming film Hoppers, which will be released on March 6, 2026. He also appears in the upcoming movie The Body Is Water written and directed by Vicky Wight.

Other notable credits include Goodfellas, Pieces of April, 1408, Cedar Rapids, The Old Man & the Gun, All Square, I Care a Lot, The Good Cop, Veep, Chappelle’s Show, Your Honor, Law & Order, Cocaine Bear, and The Residence.