Lister was found unconscious during a welfare check at his home in Marina Del Rey, California on Thursday.
While there’s no word yet on his cause of death, Lister reportedly contracted COVID-19 earlier this year, but had recovered according to his manager, Cindy Cowan. Lister recently began feeling ill again, according to Cowan, and had difficulty breathing properly.
“He was a gentle giant. He had a smile as broad as you could imagine. He’s going to be missed by so many. We’re all devastated,”
Lister may be best known as Deebo in the Friday movies, but he has had a long list of memorable roles, among them, Beverly Hills Cop II with Eddie Murphy and opposite Hulk Hogan in No Holds Barred.
Lister was recently interviewed by TMZ where he talked about bringing back his Deebo character for the fourth Friday movie.
Ice Cube, who produces and stars in the Friday series, remembered Lister on Twitter, writing:
“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. Followed by a big smile and laugh. Thank you for being a good dude at heart. I miss you already.”
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. Followed by a big smile and laugh. Thank you for being a good dude at heart. I miss you already. pic.twitter.com/jIl8yEZU9c
— Ice Cube (@icecube) December 11, 2020
