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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.
Jamie Hector, who played Marlo on the show, tweeted this afternoon, "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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Caleb Allenson
RIP PROP JOE!
I actually just finished watching the the whole series for the first time two nights ago! crazy!
Kelly
RIP Mr. Chew, you'll always be Prop Joe to me! You will be missed!
laffnbear
Time to hear from all those fatties who loudly support "people with curves."
JenSantos
R.I.P loved him on th wire prop joe gone but never forgotten :(
JuJit23B
His weight shouldn't be the thing that defined him. People should have some respect and think of his loved ones. He played Prop Joe brilliantly and I loved the character because of this, only wish there was more. RIP Mr Chew. A tragic loss :-(
QueenDivaChanel
I'm confused???
anon
R.I.P. Mr. Robert Chew.
miss baldwin
rip pop joe
At no
burger king will morn him
jaki-terry
i don't know where you got your misinformation from, but Robert Chew did quite a bit of acting BEFORE The Wire...there was Homicide and The Corner that NEVER got a mention by your research team, an extensive stage career that includes Broadway. he sang with the world-renowned Morgan State University Gospel Choir for over 20 years, and was Musical Director for the Arena Players YouthTheatre as well. Hollywood ain't the only jump-off for talent...tell your research team to dig a little deeper if they're gonna talk about THIS man! how do i know all of this? i'm FROM Baltimore. i've been a member of Arena Players, Inc. since 1994. he was already an institution when i got there. i've shared stage with him - twice. he was MY acting coach, and behind and to the sides of me is a line that would wrap around the Staple Center at LEAST more than twice. this report is an insult to him and his legacy, and frankly, i find it HIGHLY insulting that your staff didn't find him worthy enough to dig a little deeper.
NIKALAW
Not to mention....real ACTORS...always have more under their belt then TV!! Just as real journalist have more to their credit then TMZ...
Steve
As others have already said: He didn't have little acting experience at all. I wish they'd write a correction or edit the article. Mr. Chew was involved with the theatre company of Batlimore and helped develop the skills of most of the kids who have major roles in seasons 4 and 5.
GorgeousGal
R.I.P. Prop Joe. Robert Chew. You will be missed. Loved your character.