Isiah Whitlock Jr, who was known for his memorable acting roles on The Wire and Veep, has died at the age of 71, according to his manager.

"It is with tremendous sadness that I share the passing of my dear friend and client Isiah Whitlock Jr," manager Brian Liebman wrote on Instagram.

Whitlock, who also featured in Goodfellas and The Chappelle Show, was a longtime collaborator with director Spike Lee, who also shared a heartfelt tribute to him.

"Today I Learned Of The Passing Of My Dear Beloved Brother ISIAH WHITLOCK. GOD BLESS," Lee wrote, alongside a photo of the two men shaking hands.

"If you knew him - you loved him. A brilliant actor and even better person," Mr Liebman wrote.

"May his memory forever be a blessing. Our hearts are so broken. He will be very, very missed."

In statements to Hollywood news outlets, he added that Whitlock passed away in New York after a short illness.

On The Wire, Whitlock played a corrupt politician, and was known for his profane catchphrase, which Whitlock himself had developed.

His elongated version of the common swear word was inspired by his uncle, he said in a 2008 interview.

He also used it in films he made before The Wire but it then became so popularised that it entered the lexicon.

"I was in, I think, Grand Central Station and far away I heard someone say it and they'd be kind of smiling," he said. "I'm glad people enjoy it."

On Veep, he played a comical version of the US secretary of defense, who runs for office against the main character, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

Whitlock featured in six films by Spike Lee, including 25th Hour, She Hate Me, Red Hook Summer, Chi-Raq , BlacKkKlansman and Da 5 Bloods.

The native of South Bend, Indiana, also had roles in films Pieces of April, Enchanted and Cars 3 and Lightyear, as well as TV roles in the Law and Order franchise.