Thomas “Tiny” Lister Jr., who played “Deebo” the neighborhood bully in Ice Cube‘s Friday films, has died at age 62.
TMZ reports the actor was found unresponsive at his Marina Del Ray apartment at 3 p.m. West Coast time. His cause of death is unknown.
His film and T.V. credits include The Fifth Element, Beverly Hills Cop II, Zootopia, Matlock, Jackie Brown, Walker Texas Ranger, and The Dark Knight.
His first credited role was on the TV sitcom Webster in 1984.
In addition to his acting career, Lister enjoyed two short stints as the wrestler Zeus in the WWF (now the WWE).
Lister is survived by his wife Felecia Forbes and a daughter named Faith Grace Lister.
Ironically, the man who inspired the tough, bike stealing Deebo, known as Big Sam, was shot dead in L.A. on Saturday night (Dec. 5).
Ice Cube, who along with DJ Pooh, wrote the character Deebo for his 1999 film Friday, announced Big Sam’s death on Twitter on Sunday.
“Rest In Peace Big Sam (inspiration behind the character Debo) killed by L.A. Deputies last night. #FTP.”
According to KTLA, police responded to a 911 call about a man pointing a gun at passing cars in Inglewood. When police arrived at the intersection at 2 a.m., the man allegedly pointing the gun at officers, who fatally shot him.
When Deebo’s photo began trending in tributes to Big Sam on Sunday, Lister’s fans assumed that he had been killed. But others pointed out that Lister was still alive.
After Lister’s death was confirmed on Thursday, Ice Cube tweeted:
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.
