Robert F. Chew, who is best known for his role as manipulative drug
kingpin Proposition Joe on "The Wire", has passed away. His sister
confirms that the actor died of apparent heart failure in his sleep at
his home in Northeast Baltimore, Md., on Thursday, January 17. He was
52.
David Simon, the creator of the HBO crime drama series, remembers Chew,
"Robert was not only an exceptional actor, he was an essential part of
the film and theater community in Baltimore." He additionally tells
Baltimore Sun in an email, "He could have gone to New York or Los
Angeles and commanded a lot more work, but he loved the city as his home
and chose to remain here working."
"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," Simon continues singing
praise for Chew, whom he also describes as a "fine and generous man"
offscreen.
Also mourning Chew's death are his "The Wire" co-stars. Jamie Hector,
who played Marlo Stanfield, 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."
Michael Kenneth Williams, who portrayed Omar Little, wrote, "R.I.P. to
the talented Mr Robert Chew #propjoe," while Rhonda Pearlman portrayer
Deirdre Lovejoy simply wrote, "Shocked. SO SAD."
"To the beloved Robert Chew, a man who was real Bawlmore, and created
the iconic character of 'Prop Joe,' may you RIP. A teacher &
friend," added Wendell Pierce,
who starred as Detective Bunk Moreland. Jermaine Crawford, who played
Duquan "Dukie" Weems, also tweeted, "RIP to Mr. Robert F. Chew, a.k.a.
Proposition Joe. You impacted our lives more than you'll ever
know...love you."
Chew, who had just celebrated his 52nd birthday on December 28, 2012,
also appeared on HBO's "The Corner" and NBC's "Homicide: Life on the
Street". Throughout his career, he worked with children's theatre
companies including Baltimore's Arena Players, where he mentored child
and young adult actors and helped 22 of them score roles on "The Wire".
He is survived by his mother and two sisters.
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