Actor and comedian Reynaldo Rey, best known for memorable roles in hit movies Friday and White Men Can’t Jump, died from complications of a stroke on Thursday, May 28. He was 75.
Born in Sequoyah County, Oklahoma in 1940, Rey earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Kanas State Teacher’s College and moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked as a teacher for almost a decade before joining the Karamu House Theatre to launch his career in show business.
He eventually went on the road with famed R&B group The O’Jays, serving as their opening act before later earning the chance to open for his mentor Redd Foxx. Rey then began his foray into film and television while also working the stand-up comedy circuit.
Rey appeared in over 50 films including Harlem Nights, A Rage In Harlem, and House Party 3. His television credits include roles on 227, The Bernie Mac Show, and Everybody Hates Chris.
Actress Jackée Harry, who co-starred with Rey on 227, took to Twitter to pay tribute to the late comedian, writing “Rest in peach to my dear friend and 227 co-star, Reynaldo Rey. ‘Red’ will always hold a place in my heart.”
He is survived by his wife Evelyn, daughter Harla, sons Golden and Todd, and his 96-year-old mother Lillian.
