"The Wire" Star Found Dead In Baltimore Apartment

Former "The Wire" star Robert F. Chew reportedly passed away this week in his Baltimore, Maryland apartment due to health complications at the age of 52.

According to reports, the actor, most known as 'Proposition Joe," died from cardiovascular disease.

Robert F. Chew -- best known for playing Proposition Joe on "The Wire" -- was found dead yesterday in his apartment in Baltimore ... TMZ has learned. According to the coroner in Baltimore, Chew died of cardiovascular disease. "Morbid obesity" was listed as a contributing factor. Chew had very little acting experience before "The Wire" or after. He was on the cult HBO show -- which took place in Baltimore -- for five seasons. (TMZ)

"The Wire" creator David Simon reflected on losing a former cast member.

"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' said in an email Friday. "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. He understood so much about his craft that it was no surprise at all that we would go to him to coach our young actors in season four. He was the conduit through which they internalized their remarkable performances." (Baltimore Sun)

Fellow "Wire" star Jamie Hector, who played "Marlo Stanfield," paid his condolences to Chew Friday (January 18).

"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!," he tweeted Friday. (Jamie Hector's Twitter)

Another notable "Wire" actor Wendell Pierce remembered Chew's on and off-camera legacy.

"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.," he tweeted January 18th. (Wendell Pierce's Twitter)

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