Friends and family are mourning the loss of Tommy "Tiny" Lister. The actor, best known for his role as Deebo in the Friday films, was pronounced dead after being found unresponsive in his Los Angeles apartment. He was 62.
Tommy may have played many a scary tough guy over the years, but those who knew him best described the actor as a giant teddy bear. He always had a smile waiting for anyone who needed it. He was also beloved in the industry, where he had a number of exciting projects in the pipeline.
Tommy's manager, Cindy Cowan, is now revealing that the actor had been experiencing COVID-19 symptoms in the days leading up to his death. She told People magazine that she urged the actor to see a doctor, but he was simply too weak to get there in time.
Tommy "Tiny" Lister touched a lot of hearts in his 30-plus years in the entertainment industry. The larger-than-life actor stood at 6-foot-5. Despite his intimidating appearance, which led to him being cast in many tough-guy roles, those who knew Tommy said he had a heart of gold.
Tommy got his start in the 1980s, appearing in films such as Runaway Train, Blue City, and Beverly Hills Cop II. Acting wasn't his only gig at the time, however. After appearing in 1989's No Holds Barred opposite Hulk Hogan, he would go on to appear in both WWF and WCW matches.
Tommy would get his breakout film role in 1995 with Friday. He played Deebo, the neighborhood bully, and became a fan favorite. Naturally, he returned in the 2000 sequel, Next Friday.
Tommy enjoyed many roles on screens both big and small. He appeared in TV series like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Moesha, and Matlock. He also lent his talents to films like The Fifth Element and The Dark Knight.
Tommy was also a talented voice actor. He played Finnick in Zootopia and roles in The Boondocks and The Cleveland Show. As if all that wasn't enough, Tommy also made a number of cameos in music videos for artists including Michael Jackson, 50 Cent, and Chamillionaire.
Ice Cube, who collaborated with Tommy in both music videos and Friday, posted a tribute to him after news of the actor's death went viral.
"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," he tweeted.
"Followed by a big smile and laugh. Thank you for being a good dude at heart. I miss you already."
Tommy was due to shoot on a film set this weekend, but he canceled his appearance for Friday. As his manager, Cindy Cowan, explained, he'd been feeling unwell.
"He was just really complaining, but he was too weak to go to the doctor," she told People.
Tommy didn't test positive for COVID-19 before his death, but Cindy believes his symptoms lined up with the virus.
"He was a gentle giant and one-of-a-kind," she says. "A man that's like been a brother to me for 20 years."
Tommy was last spoken to Thursday night. A concerned friend stopped by on Friday after reaching out several times and not hearing back. He was found unresponsive in his Marina Del Rey apartment.
