Actor and comedian Anthony Johnson died after he was found lifeless in a store and rushed to a hospital earlier this month. He was 55.
His death was confirmed by his nephew, who told TMZ Johnson was pronounced dead at the hospital earlier this month. No cause of death was disclosed.
Anthony is best known for his comedic roles in Friday (1995), Menace II Society (1993) and The Players Club (1998).
Johnson’s career took off in 1990 after he landed the role of E.Z.E. in House Party and he went on to do stand-up comedy in Los Angeles clubs.
He also appeared in the films Lethal Weapon 3 and in nearly 50 films and TV shows, including Moesha, Martin, Malcolm & Eddie, and I Got the Hook Up and its sequel. It’s also rumored Johnson was cast to reprise his role in the upcoming Last Friday.
Fans and colleagues paid tribute to Johnson on Twitter.com.
Never forget #AJJohnson was the first person to play Eazy E pic.twitter.com/tVUu3f7RQU
— VP of The Chopstars (@DJ_HollyGrove) September 20, 2021
RIP AJ Johnson dawg that man made me laugh so many times in my life. I think my sleeper favorite role is the ex-con catering service in house party 3. pic.twitter.com/MKh3RJzabA
— Michael Christmas (@MickeyChristmas) September 20, 2021
Rest In Peace & Power AJ Johnson , will always be a legend in my eyes ??? pic.twitter.com/Asx1GyXDft
— Aaaah-LADY ???? (@alainacharif) September 20, 2021
I know Ezel was his most infamous role.
But this scene from House Party 3 is by far one of AJ Johnson’s funniest moments. R.I.P. ?? pic.twitter.com/PZkL513zSN
— Kevin Finnerty (@Deascent) September 20, 2021
My favorite AJ Johnson role will ALWAYS be Blue. pic.twitter.com/ua3t8PNdJr
— Donna Azoff (@ApresVictoria) September 20, 2021
When you watched Black Movies, Stand-Ups and Black Sitcoms in the 90s and some films in the early 2000s , Anthony Johnson was there. He understood the assignment of his supporting roles and made sure you laughed each time. You will be missed AJ #RIP ?? pic.twitter.com/4mmYEu4n4R
— Ron Carthen (@rcarthen) September 20, 2021
Rest in peace AJ Johnson. Dude was funny pic.twitter.com/fE1130Mzfv
— De'Lorian Diggs (@Dlodiggs) September 20, 2021
