Anthony Johnson, the actor and comedian best known for his roles in “Friday” and “House Party,” has died. He was 55.
His rep, LyNea Bell, confirmed the news to USA TODAY, calling Johnson an “iconic legend of stage and screen.” The date and cause of his death have not yet been released.
“The world of comedy has truly been shaken, again,” Bell said. “He has left with us amazing memories of his laughter, dynamic acting skills, but most of all his enormous personality and heart of gold. We will be in constant prayer for his entire family including his wife Lexis, 3 children, brother Edward ‘Peanut’ Smith, sister Sheila, and lifetime manager and friend Mike D. Please give them the time they need to process and grieve such a huge loss.”
Johnson, who was also known to fans as A.J. Johnson, appeared in several movie roles including E.Z.E. in the 1990’s “House Party” and Ezal in the 1995 Ice Cube-Chris Tucker classic “Friday.”
Ice Cube paid tribute to the actor and comedian on Twitter.
“Sad to wake up to the news about AJ Johnson passing away. Naturally funny dude who was straight outta Compton at the same time.
His death comes less than one year after his “Friday” co-star, Tommy “Tiny” Lister, who played neighborhood bully and felon Deebo, died in December 2020 at age 62. did we cover? link?
Lister’s manager, Cindy Cowan, said he was found unconscious in his home in Marina Del Rey, California, at the time. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
