Raymond Reddington, the mysterious and clever criminal mastermind from the popular TV show The Blacklist, has captivated fans for years. His complex character, portrayed by actor James Spader, kept viewers on the edge of their seats as he maneuvered through a dangerous world of crime and secrets. However, his death left fans with many questions and emotions. In this article, we will explore the details of Raymond Reddington’s life, his death, and the mystery that surrounded it.
Know Raymond Reddington

Raymond “Red” Reddington is a fictional character from The Blacklist, a TV show that first aired in 2013. He is known for his deep knowledge of the criminal underworld and his unique partnership with the FBI, where he provides information about dangerous criminals in exchange for immunity. Below is a detailed table about Raymond Reddington.
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Raymond Reddington |
Alias | Red |
First Appearance | The Blacklist Season 1, Episode 1 (2013) |
Gender | Male |
Occupation | Criminal mastermind, FBI informant |
Famous For | Creating “The Blacklist” of criminals |
Personality Traits | Intelligent, manipulative, charismatic |
Portrayed By | James Spader |
How Did Raymond Reddington Die?

In the final episode of The Blacklist, Raymond Reddington’s death is left somewhat ambiguous, sparking much speculation and debate among fans. As the show concludes, Reddington is suffering from a terminal illness, which had been hinted at throughout the last season. In the last moments, Reddington is seen walking in a beautiful Spanish countryside, enjoying what seems to be his final peaceful moments.
Reddington is eventually confronted by Elizabeth Keen, the FBI agent he had partnered with, but the final scene shifts focus. A shot is fired by a sniper hired by Reddington’s enemies, and fans are left to speculate whether Reddington died from the gunshot or from his illness.
Although the exact cause of death is unclear, it is heavily implied that Raymond Reddington dies in the final moments of the show, bringing an end to his complex and secretive life.
Raymond Reddington Age at the Time of Death
As Raymond Reddington is a fictional character, the exact age at the time of his death is not explicitly mentioned in The Blacklist. However, based on the information available in the show, it is believed that Reddington was likely in his 60s at the time of his death. The show hints at his long criminal history and his years on the run, placing him in this age range during the final season.
What Was Raymond Reddington’s Profession?
Raymond Reddington was both a criminal mastermind and an FBI informant. His criminal empire spanned the globe, and he was involved in illegal activities such as arms dealing, smuggling, and black market transactions. Despite being a wanted criminal, Reddington turned himself in to the FBI at the beginning of The Blacklist, offering to help catch other high-profile criminals in exchange for immunity from prosecution.
His profession as an informant was unique because he created the infamous Blacklist, a collection of the world’s most dangerous and elusive criminals. By sharing information with the FBI, Reddington helped bring down many criminals while continuing to operate his own illicit activities from the shadows.
Controversy Around Raymond Reddington’s Death

The death of Raymond Reddington stirred a great deal of controversy among fans of The Blacklist. One of the biggest questions left unanswered was whether Reddington was truly Elizabeth Keen’s father, as had been teased throughout the series. There was also ongoing speculation about Reddington’s true identity, with theories suggesting that the man known as Raymond Reddington may not have been the original, but rather an imposter.
Many fans were dissatisfied with the lack of clear answers regarding these major plot points. The open-ended nature of Reddington’s death added to the mystery, leaving fans debating his fate long after the series concluded. Some believed that Reddington’s death was symbolic, representing the end of a life filled with lies and secrets, while others hoped for a more definitive conclusion.