Reggie McFadden, ‘Def Comedy Jam’ and ‘In Living Color’ Star, Dies at 57

American actor and stand-up comedian Reggie McFadden, known for appearances on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam and Fox’s In Living Color, has died at age 57.

His sister, bestselling author Bernice McFadden, confirmed the death to The Hollywood Reporter. She said the family was notified by the United States State Department that McFadden had died in Tanzania, where he had lived for about 18 years. The family had not been told the exact date or cause of his death as of the report.

Career in Comedy and Television

McFadden was born on November 30, 1968, and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He began pursuing stand-up comedy at about age 18, working through open-mic nights and comedy clubs before gaining wider exposure.

His breakthrough came with appearances on Def Comedy Jam, the influential HBO comedy platform that helped introduce many Black comedians to national audiences in the 1990s.

He later moved into acting, appearing in television productions including:

• Martin
• Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper
• Moesha
• Coach
• Minor Adjustments
• Curb Your Enthusiasm

McFadden also appeared in films such as the 1990 psychological thriller Jacob’s Ladder and Adam Sandler’s Little Nicky.

His ‘In Living Color’ Role

McFadden joined the cast of Fox’s landmark sketch-comedy series In Living Color during its fifth and final season, which ran from 1993 to 1994.

He appeared in about 23 episodes and featured in sketches including “Wheel of Dozens,” “All Up in the Family” and “Dirty Dozens Tournament of Champions.”

Created by Keenen Ivory Wayans, In Living Color became one of the defining comedy programmes of the early 1990s and a major platform for Black comedians, actors and writers.

McFadden’s work on the programme helped take his career beyond stand-up stages and into mainstream television.

Later Life in Tanzania

McFadden later moved to Tanzania, where he spent roughly the final 18 years of his life.

In addition to comedy and acting, he reportedly remained involved in entertainment and music production. His later activities were associated with Olduvai Records, an entertainment and gold-mining venture in Tanzania, while his album ENJOY, Vol. 1 was released in May 2025.

His relocation marked a major second chapter in a career that began in Brooklyn comedy clubs and moved through American television, film and live performance.

Tributes and Family

Tributes have begun emerging from fellow comedians, colleagues and viewers who remembered McFadden’s contribution to 1990s American comedy.

He is survived by his sisters Bernice and Misty; his sons, Jaron and Myles; his mother, Vivian; and his brother, Kris.

Bottom Line

Reggie McFadden built a career across stand-up, television and film, becoming widely recognised through Def Comedy Jam and In Living Color.

While his death in Tanzania has been confirmed by his family, the exact date and cause of death have not yet been disclosed.