Thomas “Tiny” Lister, most known for his role as Deebo in the Friday franchise, was found dead in his apartment yesterday. The beloved actor was 62 years old. Although the case of his death is still being investigated, his manager Cindy Cowan told CNN that Lister experienced Covid-19 symptoms in the days leading up to his passing.
Lister, who reportedly “doesn’t miss movies,” canceled his on-set appearance for a new film last weekend because his symptoms “got really bad, really quick,” and the beloved actor was having trouble breathing, Cowan told CNN. He also canceled a TV film festival Zoom appearance this past Wednesday and became nonresponsive when his team tried to reach him later that night. The police found Lister’s body in his Marina Del Ray home the next day after a friend stopped by and no one answered the door.
In addition to his iconic role in the Friday series, he appeared in The Fifth Element alongside Chris Tucker, and he was also in Hulk Hogan’s WWE movie “No Holds Barred.”
Many celebrities, including his Friday co-star Ice Cube, Samuel L. Jackson, and Ice-T, quickly took to social media to reflect on Lister’s life and legacy.
View this post on Instagram
I’m dedicating my page today as a Tribute to my close friend ‘Tiny Lister’ aka Debo, aka Zeus, aka Cleatus.. Gone far to soon. Rest easy Big Homie 💔Love U pic.twitter.com/bTL3HZDZaM
— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) December 11, 2020
This Brother Here!! Pres of The Universe to Deebo to just my dude, Tiny! A pleasure to work with, a treasure as a friend. RIP, Man, glad I had the pleasure👊🏾👊🏾🙏🏿‼️ https://t.co/WTEWYX2yZC
— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) December 11, 2020
We are sending our warmest condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Thomas ‘Tiny’ Lister, and may his legacy live on forever.
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