The divine versatility of Lance Reddick

Lance Reddick is the type of actor whose work is impossible to ignore, but easy to take for granted. A performer best known for playing law enforcement officials and other authority figures, Reddick is instantly recognizable in the many films and TV shows in which he appeared. His onscreen contributions were always memorable, if not the reason to watch a scene.

This is why his sudden death on Friday, March 17 was met with such an outpouring of appreciation from co-stars and fans accustomed to seeing him show up in just about any story, anywhere, and make it sing. Salon culture writer Alison Stine and TV critic Melanie McFarland share an admiration for Reddick's versatility and flexibility, and his way of, as Stine explains, taking imposing figures and infusing them with unexpected empathy and a feeling that he was on everyone's side. 

To commemorate Reddick, they engaged in a conversation about what they appreciated most about him and his generously varied body of work.