Prop Joe from The Wire dead at 52

GlobalPost

Robert Chew, who played 'Prop Joe' on the popular television show "The Wire" is dead at the age of 52.

Chew played the Baltimore drug kingpin Proposition Joe on the crime drama that lasted five seasons.

He was found dead in Northeast Baltimore on Thursday of an apparent heart failure, said the Baltimore Sun.

Chew starred in "The Wire" as well as "Homicide" and "The Corner," which were early iterations that would lead to the hit series.

A.V. Club noted that Chew mentored young actors at Baltimore's Arena Players and helped many of his students land roles on the show.

"Robert was not only an exceptional actor, he was an essential part of the film and theater community in Baltimore,” David Simon, creator of "The Wire’" wrote in an email Friday, reported the Baltimore Sun.

“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."

The outpouring on Twitter by Chew's former co-actors from The Wire was immediate.

Jermaine Crawford who Chew mentored and who appeared on the show wrote: "RIP to Mr. Robert F. Chew aka Proposition Joe. You impacted our lives more than you'll ever know... love you."

Actor Wendell Pierce wrote, "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."

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