On Thursday (Dec. 10) evening, news broke that actor Tommy “Tiny” Lister passed away at the age of 62. TMZ claimed that someone called 911 from his Marina Del Rey apartment where he was found unresponsive just before 3 p.m. PT. Instead of being taken to the hospital, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Though Lister acted in a number of different films such as No Holds Barred, The Fifth Element, The Dark Knight, and even voiced a character in the animated film Zootopia, the talent was widely known for his classic role as Deebo in Friday and its sequel, Next Friday.
After hearing the news of his passing, one of his Friday co-stars Ice Cube took to social media to tribute him. Posting a photo of Lister as Deebo, the NWA rapper said: “RIP Tiny ‘Deebo’ Lister. America’s favorite bully was a born entertainer who would pop into character at the drop of a hat terrifying people on and off camera. Followed by a big smile and laugh. Thank you for being a good dude at heart. I miss you already.” Take a look at that post below, which was also published on Cube’s Twitter.
This is the second celebrity death we’ve learned of this week. On Monday (Dec. 7) morning, actress Holly Robinson Peete revealed that fellow actress Natalie Desselle-Reid died at the age of 52. TMZ later reported that Reid’s cause of death was due to colon cancer.
“It is with extremely heavy hearts that we share the loss of our beautiful Natalie this morning,” read an official statement from the late actress’ family at the time. “She was a bright light in this world. A queen. An extraordinary mother and wife.”
Rest in peace, Deebo. Thank you for the laughs — and the terror.