Reynaldo Rey Dies: Actor Was Best Known For Roles In ‘Friday’ And ‘White Men Can’t Jump’


Actor and comedian Reynaldo Rey has died at the age of 75. According to the Associated Press, via ABC News, Rey’s manager, Vanzil Burke, said his passing was due to complications from a stroke.

Reynaldo Rey was first recognized for his work as a comedian, when he opened for Redd Foxx. Rey then entered the acting world with some guest appearances on TV’s Sanford and One Night Stand, according to his IMDb profile. Rey received a recurring role in the hit series, 227, and also made guest appearances later on in Sister, Sister, The Bernie Mac Show, and The Wayans Bros.

Reynaldo Rey also dipped his toe into the film world with roles in Eddie Murphy’s Harlem Nights and the Garry Marshall-directed Young Doctors in Love. But most may know Rey best from his work in Friday and White Men Can’t Jump. Rey’s last film credit was for 2012’s Pawn Shop, and his last television appearance was a guest spot on Everybody Hates Chris.

Before he entered the worlds of comedy and acting, Rey obtained his bachelor of science in education at Kansas State Teacher’s College, according to his biography on his official website. Rey then relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where his comedy career began. While teaching in Cleveland, Rey joined the Karmu House Theatre and began touring with the O’Jays. He then moved to New York City and became a member of the Harlem Theater Group.

Rey’s biography states that the last project on which he worked was a play called Hollywood P.O., which was well-received at Los Angeles’ Wiltern Theater. Rey not only funded the entire play and had a starring role in it, but he also directed it and wrote the screenplay and most of the songs for it. Rey was also working on a film dedicated to Redd Foxx, but it’s uncertain how far along that project was at the time of his death.

Rey’s fans and costars have posted tributes to the late actor on Twitter.

Rey is survived by his mother, Lillian Murray; wife Evelyn; daughter Harla Major; and sons Todd Murphy and Golden Rey, according to CNN.

[Image via Twitter]

Share this article: Reynaldo Rey Dies: Actor Was Best Known For Roles In ‘Friday’ And ‘White Men Can’t Jump’
More from Inquisitr