Beloved Baltimore comedian Reginald “Reggie” Carroll has tragically passed away at the age of 52 after being shot in Southaven, Mississippi. Known for his sharp wit and vibrant stage presence, Carroll was a respected figure in the stand-up comedy world, with a career that spanned over two decades.
Shooting Incident in Southaven
The Southaven Police Department, according to authorities, responded on Wednesday to reports of a shooting in the Burton Lane neighborhood. When they arrived at the scene, they found Carroll incurring gunshot wounds. He was immediately taken to Regional One Health in Memphis, Tennessee, but following emergency measures, he died.
Police have confirmed that a suspect was taken into custody and charged with Carroll’s murder. Though the shooting has been termed as an isolated incident by officials, they are still probing the circumstances of the case.
Tributes Pour In From the Comedy Community
Carroll’s passing caused shockwaves within the comedy community, particularly in his native Baltimore. One of the main venues in the local comedy scene, the Mobtown Comedy Club, honored Carroll on social media, adding, “Rest in power @comedianreggiecarroll, thank you for being one of the OGs who supported us early on. The Mobtown family and the Baltimore comedy community are very saddened by this loss of one of our city’s great talents.”
Comedian and Oscar winner Mo’Nique, a longtime friend and collaborator, also had fond memories of Carroll. Sharing an emotional Instagram Story, she stated, “This is why I say treat people the best you can because you never know if you’ll get a chance to see them again.” Remarking about their touring days, she stated, “I have no sad tears because all of our times together was amazing.”
A Career Built on Talent and Tenacity
Carroll’s own comedic career started in Baltimore but soon found him traveling the nation. He shared bills with some of comedy’s biggest stars and became famous for his stage energy that always got the crowds going. In 2000, he appeared on Showtime at the Apollo, performing at the renowned Apollo Theater in Harlem. He went on to make an appearance on UPN’s popular sitcom The Parkers, starring alongside Mo’Nique and Countess Vaughn.
Throughout recent years, Carroll remained engaged in comedy work on films such as the 2022 TV movie Rent & Go and as producer of the 2023 stand-up special Knockout Kings of Comedy.
His passing creates a gap in the world of comedy, but his legacy of love and laughter will endure.
