Lean, baritone-voiced character actor Reg E. Cathey had a successful career on the television guest-star circuit for years before earning respect as a reliable and talented supporting player in a number of cable dramas. A favorite of producers (most notably David Simon and Tom Fontana) for his quiet intensity on screen, Cathey most recently won plaudits for his role as Norman Wilson, the well-connected deputy campaign manager of mayoral candidate Thomas ‘Tommy’ Carcetti on the critically acclaimed drama, “The Wire” (HBO, 2002-07).

Born on Aug. 18, 1958, in Huntsville, AL, Cathey made his bones