Robert F. Chew, best-known as “Prop Joe” (Proposition Joe), from the HBO cult-hit series “The Wire” has died. He was 52.
On Thursday, his sister Clarice Chew confirmed with the Baltimore Sun that her brother was found dead in his apartment after suffering a heart attack. According to the Baltimore coroner’s office, “morbid obesity” was a contributing factor.
A Baltimore native, Chew worked as music director for the Arena Players community theater. He also studied music at Morgan State University for two years.
Although short, his acting resume is marked with memorable roles, the most notable being Prop Joe–an intelligent, unassuming and, sometimes, ruthless Baltimore drug lord.
Chew also starred in TV shows “The Corner” and “Homicide: Life On The Street,” as well as the film “Something The Lord Made.”
Fellow cast member, Jaime Hector, who played Marlo in “The Wire” tweeted on Friday:
“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.”
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