Reynaldo Rey of 'Friday,' 'White Men Can’t Jump,' 'Harlem Nights,' Has Died

Early Thursday morning, news broke that actor and comedian Reynaldo Rey died in Los Angeles. Rey's manager says he passed away due to complications of a stroke he suffered last year. It wasn't until January when things started getting bad for Rey's health. You may remember Rey from such shows and movies as Friday, White Men Can't Jump, Harlem Nights, the Bernie Mac Show, the Wayans Brothers and Sanford.

Rey passed away at 75-year-old and had his wife by his side when it happened. Rey is survived by his daughter Harla Major, wife Evelyn, sons Golden Rey and Todd Murphy and his mother Lillian Murray.

Before finding his first break with the Karamu House Theater, Rey taught for seven years. It was with that Karamu House though that his career in acting and in comedy began. In 1973 he began going on the road with the O'Jays and from there he moved to New York City. While in New York he became a member of the Harlem Theater Group and found himself in his first movie.

Rey has been in more than 52 movies including Friday, House Party 3, White Men Can't Jump, A Rage in Harlem and Harlem Nights. He also opened for such acts as Redd Foxx, Della Reese, Richard Pryor, Arsenio Hall and Eddie Murphy. He recorded three comedy albums and has 32 television credits to boot. One of those credits included an appearance on the Tonight Show.

Several members of the entertainment world shared their condolences on Twitter:

#RestInPeace, #ReynaldoRey. Here's why he'll be missed: https://t.co/sWqz7Mbrk7 #Friday #HarlemNights pic.twitter.com/SX5t00NGIc

— Rickey Smiley (@RickeySmiley) May 29, 2015

Rip to my Grandfather and my mentor Mr. Reynaldo Rey. This is a sad day in comedy. My prayers go out to his wife... https://t.co/XOqKyI5pRA — Red Grant (@redgrantlaughs) May 29, 2015

R.I.P. to Reynaldo Rey. Met him at Denny's in Raleigh one night some years back. Really cool cat.

— Phonte (@phontigallo) May 29, 2015

Such a sweet funny man! RIP! https://t.co/j5uqXrEzR8 — Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) May 29, 2015