But Reddick does concede there's an upside to being in demand and recognized by fans. "Sometimes it's fun. I do get caught up in it."
He approaches his work with a dedication honed at Yale University's drama school: "I'm an artist at heart. I feel that I'm very good at what I do. When I went to drama school, I knew I was at least as talented as other students, but because I was a black man and I wasn't pretty, I knew I would have to work my butt off to be the best that I would be, and to be noticed."
After graduation, he enjoyed some success landing guest or recurring roles on "Oz," "CSI: Miami" and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." He also appeared in several movies, including "I Dreamed of Africa," "The Siege" and "Great Expectations," but it was his searing portrayal as Daniels in "The Wire" that was his breakthrough.
"Nothing will ever top 'The Wire,' " he said. "It was historical. It was black cinema."
He added that playing Daniels was no easy gig.
"He was a real challenge," he said. "I kept him tight -- he was very self-contained and analytical, but he also had a lot of rage."
And the role was no less demanding physically. To prepare, Reddick would work out by punching a body bag -- "I wanted to show a guy who looked like he could go off at any moment."
While critically acclaimed and with a devoted fan base, "The Wire" never managed to draw a large audience.
"I don't want to be impolitic here, but I felt it could have connected with a wider audience," said Reddick. "In the industry, there seemed to be this perception that it was a black show. It wasn't funny or melodramatic. It didn't fit the mold."
But the show and his performance attracted attention.
"He's just a spectacular actor," said Jeff Pinkner, an executive producer of "Fringe." "We needed someone in that part who had strength, who looked like they were holding their cards close to the vest. But he also has a deep emotional wellspring. He's generous."
Reddick, who calls Los Angeles home but lives for now in New York, where "Fringe" is shot, is eager for more doors to open. He's in "Tennessee," an upcoming movie with Mariah Carey. A classically trained musician, he's also developing a jazz album.
"I really don't take any of this for granted," he said. "It makes me evaluate more what's really important in life, and it makes me work harder. You either get better, or you don't progress."
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greg.braxton@latimes.com
