Tommy Lister, famous for portraying Deebo in the Friday films, has died. He was 62.
According to TMZ, Lister was found dead Thursday evening (December 10) at his Marina Del Rey apartment, where law enforcement responded to a call about an unconscious male. While cops believe the actor died of natural causes, an autopsy is currently underway.
Per what sources told the outlet, Lister was pronounced dead at the scene and was therefore not transported to the hospital.
A release from the Los Angeles Police Department revealed that the call came after Lister's friends and business associates expressed their concern to authorities after not hearing from the star since Wednesday (December 9). It was when deputies performed a wellness check that they discovered Lister’s lifeless body at his home.
Tommy — beloved as “Tiny” by those near to him — rose to popularity in the ‘80s and ‘90s for often playing the affable neighborhood bully Deebo in Friday and Next Friday. His other film acting credits include The Fifth Element, The Dark Knight, The Player’s Club, and Zootopia as well as credits in TV projects like Moesha, Martin, The Jamie Foxx Show, and many others.
Apart from acting, Lister was once a pro wrestler — under the name Zeus — from 1989 to 1996, having fought the likes of Hulk Hogan.
Fans were shattered by the news of Lister’s passing, and among them was his longtime film partner, Ice Cube.
“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,” Cube tweeted. “Followed by a big smile and laugh. Thank you for being a good dude at heart. I miss you already.”
He is survived by his wife, Felicia Forbes, and his daughter.
Photo: Getty Images