Robert F. Chew, 52, played the role of Proposition Joe on the HBO series, “The Wire.” He was found dead in his apartment in his hometown of Baltimore. (Screen Shot)

by Nsenga K. Burton

The blogosphere is lit up with reports that the man who played Proposition Joe on the classic HBO series, “The Wire” has died. Robert F. Chew was found dead in his apartment yesterday, apparently the result of heart failure. David Simon, creator, show runner and executive producer of “The Wire” says Chew was an “exceptional” actor and an “essential” part of the community in Baltimore, MD. Baltimore-Sun media critic David Zurawik writes:

Mr. Chew, who appeared in “Homicide: Life on the Street” and “The Corner,” as well as “The Wire,” also taught and mentored child and young adult actors at Baltimore’s Arena Players, a troupe he stayed with as his television career blossomed in David Simon HBO series. Through his work at the Arena Players Youth Theatre, he brought new talent to the attention of casting directors and coached the team of young actors who played students in the Baltimore City School system in Season 4 of “The Wire.”

Zurawik continues:

In terms of what Mr. Chew brought to Proposition Joe, Simon said: “The Wire cast was an embarrassment of riches and it was easy, I think, for outsiders to overlook some of those who were so essential as supporting players.  Robert’s depiction of Proposition Joe was so fixed and complete — from the very earliest scenes — that the writers took for granted that anything we sent him would be finely executed.”

Fellow cast mates tweeted about Chew’s unexpected death.

Actor Jamie Hector who played the sinister character Marlo on the series tweeted:

“I didn’t want to believe this #RIP Robert F Chew, Prop Joe will always be remembered Robert Chew will always be loved and missed!”

Robert F. Chew was 52.

Read more of Zurawik’s coverage of Mr. Chew’s death at The Baltimore-Sun.

Like The Burton Wire on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @TheBurtonWire.

Previous articleU.S.: Minority Snubs May Lead to Revision of Rooney Rule
Next articleFive Ways to Celebrate Dr. King on MLK Day
TheBurtonWire.com is the premiere online destination for people who think for themselves. This blog offers news from the African Diaspora, culture that is produced by often overlooked populations and opinion that is informed and based on fact. Tired of the onslaught of websites and talking heads that regurgitate what people want to hear, TheBurtonWire.com is a publication that elevates news and perspectives that people need to hear. TheBurtonWire.com is for individual thinkers who understand that they are part of a larger collective. What is this collective? Free thinking people that care about the world, who will not be categorized or boxed in by society or culture and are interested in issues and topics that defy stereotypes and conventional wisdom.