The news of the death of Lance Reddick came as a major blow earlier today. No matter the role, Reddick’s commanding presence on screen made each and every character he played instantly memorable. Many who have worked closely with Lance Reddick over the years are mourning the loss of their friend and co-star, including John Wick star Keanu Reeves and director Chad Stahelski.
“We are deeply saddened and heartbroken at the loss of our beloved friend and colleague Lance Reddick,” Keanu Reeves and Chad Stahelski said in a statement. “He was the consummate professional and a joy to work with. Our love and prayers are with his wife Stephanie, his children, family and friends. We dedicate the film to his loving memory. We will miss him dearly.” Lance Reddick played Charon in the John Wick franchise, the concierge of The Continental. He’s set to appear in the soon-to-be-released John Wick: Chapter 4, as well as the Ballerina spinoff starring Ana de Armas. Lionsgate, the studio that produces the action franchise, offered its own statement:
The world of Wick would not be what it is without Lance Reddick and the unparalleled depth he brought to Charon’s humanity and unflappable charisma. Lance leaves behind an indelible legacy and hugely impressive body of work, but we will remember him as our lovely, joyful friend and Concierge. We’re stunned and heartbroken, and our deepest condolences go to his beloved family and his fans all around the world.
One of Lance Reddick’s best roles was that of Cedric Daniels in The Wire, and series creator David Simon issued a statement to THR. “A consummate professional, a devoted collaborator, a lovely soul and a friend,” Simon said. “This is just gutting and way, way, way too soon for any of us who knew and loved him to contemplate.” Wendell Pierce, who played William “Bunk” Moreland in the series, remembered Reddick as “the epitome of class” in his tribute. “A man of great strength and grace,” Pierce tweeted. “As talented a musician as he was an actor. The epitome of class. An sudden unexpected sharp painful grief for our artistic family. An unimaginable suffering for his personal family and loved ones. Godspeed my friend. You made your mark here. RIP.“
“What a lovely, brilliant and kind man Lance was,” said J.J. Abrams. “I can’t believe he is gone.” Abrams worked with Reddick on Lost before giving him a main role on Fringe. Kirk Acevedo, who worked with Lance Reddick on both Oz and Fringe, said, “Just found out Lance Reddick just passed away. I’ve worked with Lance on OZ and then on Fringe. Too many stories and good times with Lance. You’ll be terribly missed. Jesus he was taken way too soon. Rest easy my friend.” Acevedo noted that one of the last times he had spoken to Reddick was when their fellow Oz co-star Granville Adams had died. It’s hard to believe Lance Reddick is gone so soon, but he will always be remembered.