Angela Bullock Pays Tribute to the Magic that is Reg Cathey

Rest in Power, Bright Light Reg Cathey, August 18, 1958 - February 9, 2018

If life were fair Reginald Cathey would be heralded as one of the best of his generation—for he was. Twenty years ago I had the distinct honor to share a stage with Reg E. Cathey. In a Yale Repertory Theater production of Seamus Heaney’s The Cure at Troy—based on the Sophocles’ play and written to honor Nelson Mandela—Reg played the abandoned Philocetes. You know, one of those roles that requires giant acting chops. Every night I watched his beautiful work deepen and grow more nuanced. We only worked together that one time but remained friendly over the years and I delighted in watching his every success. During the run of that play it was Reg, his energy and his big heart, that shaped the atmosphere. He was a brilliant raconteur. Filled with story he possessed a fierce wit. He taught me the theme song to Pinky and the Brain and at half hour he’d start his warm up—singing cartoon theme songs in that beautifully damaged baritone. I couldn’t help but sing along with him. On stage when he’d unfurl his long body and ground a performance in that richly cadenced vocal instrument you knew you were watching one of our best. He was a brilliant classically trained actor during a time when black men like him were being overlooked for rap artists. He told me about the day on the set of S.W.A.T. a young LL Cool J said to him and Sam Jackson: I’ve just been offered a role in a Shakespeare in the Park play. Hal? In Henry V. I don’t know it. Should I take it? Reg said that he and Jackson looked at one another and said. “Take the job man.” He told me that he finally left Hollywood when he lost a role to the LA prosecutor Christopher Darden. A shame but the way Reg E. told it caused me to sink in my chair in laughter. People weave in and out of our lives. We take their presence for granted until they are gone. But sometimes a person can leave an impact far out-sizing the nature of a relationship. Reg read the essays I posted on Facebook and commented long distance. He advised me to reacquaint myself with my childhood instrument the viola. I just want to extend my deepest condolences to those who loved him and those he loved. He was generous of spirit filled with heart and empathy and he possessed a monumental talent. I feel very sad today.

​By Angela Bullock
 

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