Reggie McFadden, 'In Living Color' Comic, Dead at 57

Reggie McFadden, the stand-up comic known for HBO's "Def Comedy Jam" and Fox's "In Living Color," has died at 57, his family confirmed to TMZ.

His sister, author Bernice McFadden, told TMZ the U.S. State Department contacted the family Sunday and informed them that Reggie had died in Tanzania. He had been living there for roughly the last 18 years. The State Department did not say when or how he died. Bernice also said Reggie had been estranged from the family for some time over "family stuff."

McFadden was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He turned to stand-up comedy as a way to cope with growing up in the housing projects. His big break came in 1991 when he joined "Def Comedy Jam." He then moved to Los Angeles for acting roles, appearing on "Martin," "Hangin' With Mr. Cooper," "Moesha" and "Coach." One of his highest-profile credits was the fifth and final season of "In Living Color" in 1993, where he played multiple sketch characters. He also starred in Fox's 1998 sitcom "Getting Personal" and appeared opposite Larry David in a 2001 episode of HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm." Film roles included "Jacob's Ladder" and "Little Nicky."

McFadden was 57.

• comedy
• Def Comedy Jam
• In Living Color
• obituary
• Reggie McFadden
• TMZ