Lance Reddick’s grieving wife has spoken out after the actor died suddenly at the age of 60.
‘The Wire’ and ‘John Wick’ star died of natural causes on Friday morning, the actor’s publicist Mia Hansen revealed.
Following the tragic news, thousands of fans and Hollywood figures paid Reddick a tribute and branded him as a dedicated actor and consummate professional.
Now, Lance’s grieving wife Stephanie also broke her silence to honor her husband in a bittersweet message.
“Lance was taken from us far too soon. Thank you for all your overwhelming love, support and beautiful stories shared on these platforms over the last day. I see your messages and can’t begin to express how grateful I am to have them,” she wrote in a statement shared on her husband’s official Twitter account.
“And to the thousands of Destiny players who played in special tribute to Lance, thank you. Lance loved you as much as he loved the game.”
Stephanie also asked for any donations made in Reddick’s name to be directed to momcares.org, a foundation helping under-supported Baltimore mothers.
Lance and Stephanie enjoyed a private life together for more than two decades and held a low-key wedding back in 2011. Despite Reddick’s success with his acting career, he and Stephanie kept their relationship away from the limelight until the end.
Stephanie’s tribute comes shortly after countless figures in the entertainment industry recalled their encounters with the beloved actor.
Among them was John Wick star Keanu Reeves who issued a joint statement with director Chad Stahelski.
“We are deeply saddened and heartbroken at the loss of our beloved friend and colleague Lance Reddick,” they wrote.
“He was the consummate professional and a joy to work with. 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.”
Reddick’s co-star in the franchise, Ian McShane, added: “Total shock and disbelief. Lance was a wonderful human being and a wonderful colleague. My deepest condolences, peace and love to his wife, Stephanie, and all his family.”
Paying the actor a tribute was also Wendell Pierce of The Wire. “A man of great strength and grace. As talented a musician as he was an actor. The epitome of class. An 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,” he expressed.
Our thoughts are with Lance’s wife and two children during this challenging time.