Actor Robert Chew Dies; Best Known As Proposition Joe on "The Wire"

Actor Robert Chew, who played Proposition Joe on the HBO series The Wire, has died at the age of 52. He died of a heart attack in his Baltimore home. His character Prop Joe on the hit series was a highly intelligent and ruthless Baltimore drug lord, and he starred in all 5 seasons.

The creator of the show, David Simon, issued a statement saying: "Robert was not only an exceptional actor, he was an essential part of the film and theater community in Baltimore.

Chew grew up in Baltimore and studied music at Morgan State University for two years. In addition to being an actor and acting coach, he also worked as music director for the Arena Players community theater. He also appeared in TV shows like The Corner and Homicide: Life on the Street.