Destiny, John Wick actor Lance Reddick dies at age 60

Lance Reddick on The IMDB Show
(Image credit: Rich Polk (Getty Images))

TMZ reports that Lance Reddick, who starred in numerous films and television series and provided the voice of Titan Vanguard Commander Zavala in Destiny 2, has died at the age of 60.

Reddick was a classic "that guy" character actor, who portrayed memorable roles in a string of acclaimed movies and shows—typically as stern and intimidating, but also principled and sometimes compassionate characters. His best-known television roles include lengthy stints as Cedric Daniels in The Wire, Philip Broyles in Fringe, and Irvin Irving in Bosch.

On the silver screen, his biggest splash was probably as Charon in the John Wick films. Reddick took the character from a minor role as a hotel manager in the first film to an active participant in extreme violence as a skilled assassin in his own right in the third. He was slated to reprise the role in John Wick 4, which will be out on March 24. 

To gamers, though, he was probably best known as Zavala, the dour Titan of Destiny 2. It was a character he fully committed to, and not just within the games: In 2021, he thrilled the internet by reading Destiny 2 memes in Zavalas's voice. It's pretty fantastic: Believe me, you haven't heard the words "They casually began wielding the Darkness to clap ass in new ways" until you've heard it in that uniquely deep, commanding voice.

It's no overstatement to say that Reddick's stint across the Destiny series has carried a lot of the story's narrative, from discovering Zavala's painful back story in Season of the Haunted, to watching him deal with the burden of leadership after Cayde-6's death, and his pivotal role in forming an alliance with the Caital's Cabal. For fans he'll forever be remembered for being a good enough actor to sell Bungie's often barmy stories with so much heart and commitment. Take a listen to his iconic intro monologue to the Cerberus Vae III strike from the original Destiny and it's impossible to imagine anyone else making it sound so cool. "Whether we wanted it or not, we've stepped into a war with the Cabal..." 

"Lance Reddick was an iconic presence on screen, in Destiny, and most importantly, in person," wrote Bungie in a statement posted to Twitter. "His love for our community shined through in Commander Zavala, in his uncompromising dedication to his craft, and out of the radiating kindness that touched those around him. To say he will be missed is a profound understatement, yet no less true. Rest in peace, Lance."

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Reddick was taking part in a John Wick 4 press tour, according to the report, although on Wednesday he posted a video to social media where he was apparently at his home, with his dogs. A cause of death hasn't been announced, but TMZ quoted police sources as saying it appeared to be the result of natural causes.

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Andy Chalk

Andy has been gaming on PCs from the very beginning, starting as a youngster with text adventures and primitive action games on a cassette-based TRS80. From there he graduated to the glory days of Sierra Online adventures and Microprose sims, ran a local BBS, learned how to build PCs, and developed a longstanding love of RPGs, immersive sims, and shooters. He began writing videogame news in 2007 for The Escapist and somehow managed to avoid getting fired until 2014, when he joined the storied ranks of PC Gamer. He covers all aspects of the industry, from new game announcements and patch notes to legal disputes, Twitch beefs, esports, and Henry Cavill. Lots of Henry Cavill.