Keanu Reeves has lead tributes to his “beloved” John Wick co-star Lance Reddick, who died “suddenly” of natural causes aged 60.
Reddick’s death was confirmed by his publicist in the early hours of this morning, one week before the release of John Wick: Chapter 4, which would see Reddick reprise his role of Charon, the concierge at New York City’s Continental Hotel.
A “heartbroken” Reeves, 58, mourned Reddick in a joint statement with director Chad Stahelski, obtained by Variety, in which they said they will dedicate the franchise’s latest sequel to him.
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“We are deeply saddened and heartbroken at the loss of our beloved friend and colleague Lance Reddick. He was the consummate professional and a joy to work with,” Reeves and Stahelski said in the joint statement.
“Our love and prayers are with his wife Stephanie, his children, family and friends. We dedicate the film to his loving memory. We will miss him dearly.”
Lionsgate, who is the studio behind the film, said in a statement obtained by Deadline: ”The world of Wick would not be what it is without Lance Reddick and the unparalleled depth he brought to Charon’s humanity and unflappable charisma. Lance leaves behind an indelible legacy and hugely impressive body of work, but we will remember him as our lovely, joyful friend and Concierge. We’re stunned and heartbroken, and our deepest condolences go to his beloved family and his fans all around the world.”
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Reddick’s The Wire co-star Wendell Pierce also paid tribute to the late actor, writing on Twitter: “A man of great strength and grace. As talented a musician as he was an actor. The epitome of class. A sudden unexpected sharp painful grief for our artistic family. An unimaginable suffering for his personal family and loved ones. Godspeed my friend. You made your mark here. RIP.”
DC director James Gunn also paid tribute, calling Reddick an “incredibly nice guy” and said his death was “heartbreaking.” James Fogelnest, meanwhile, said he was “deeply saddened” to hear the news.
Aaron Ginsburg, who worked with Reddick, said knowing and working with him had been an “honour”. Author Michael Connelly, who wrote the books Bosch was based on, also penned a lengthy tribute.
“I’m thinking about my friend Lance Reddick. More than being a key ingredient in the Bosch show, he was a wonderful person, friend and collaborator. He took a character who was paper-thin in the books and made Irvin Irving,” Connelly wrote.
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Actor Ben Stiller also shared a memory of his experience with Reddick, writing: “Lance Reddick was an beautiful and compelling actor. And a beautiful person. He worked with my mom Anne Meara in her play Afterplay, playing Raziel, the waiter slash angel of death. He was exquisite in that and all he did. Nothing is lost.”
“I can’t take it no more. rip Lance Reddick,” Oscar and Grammy winner Questlove wrote.
”Unacceptable. Death, I want your badge and scythe on my desk at 9am tomorrow,” Patten Oswalt wrote.
Reddick’s death was confirmed overnight by his publicist Mia Hansen, who attributed it to natural causes.
Reddick is survived by his wife, Stephanie Reddick, and children, Yvonne Nicole Reddick and Christopher Reddick.
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