The film was written by Ice Cube and his friend DJ Pooh. The film was the first installment in the Friday franchise and starred some of the well-known artisan actors including Chris Tucker, Ice Cube, Bernie Mac, Nia Long, John Witherspoon and many more.
The film was released in 1995 and it received a lot praises for its comic sequence writing and even performance. The show received a commercial success and gave rise to two successful comedy films Next Friday in 2000 and the Friday After Next that was released in 2002.
Years have past but the comedy film is still one of the best films of its time. The film Friday had many cast members and in this article we would discuss some of the cast members who have died in real life.
John Witherspoon
The role of Willie Jones in the film Friday was portrayed by the comedian John Witherspoon. He appeared in films such as Boomerang, The Five Heartbeats, Vampire In Brooklyn and many more. He also appeared in television shows such as The Boondocks, Black Jesus, The Wayans Brothers and many more. John passed away in 2019 at the age of 77 years after suffering a heart attack at his home in California.
Tommy Lister Jr
Tommy Lister Jr best known as Debo by fans of the comedy film Friday is also another actor that has passed away in real life. Lister’s role in the movie was that of a neighborhood bully. His acting career began in the 80s with roles in movies such as Blue City, Beverly Hills Cop II and Runaway. He has seen his career grow and before his demise he appeared in more than 250 films.
Apart from acting, he had an interesting career as a wrestler. His stage name was Zeus. Tommy Lister Jr was found dead at his home in California. He passed away at the age of 62 years.
LaWanda Page
LaWanda Page is another cast member from the film that has passed away. Page appeared in the film as a Jehovah’s Witness. Page was best known for her role as Esther in the family sitcom Sanford and Son. She passed away at the age of 81 due to complications associated with diabetes. She had a successful career as an actress, comedian and even a dancer. Her career lasted for 60 years.
The Queen of comedy released five solo albums including “Watch It Sucker” which was her best album.
Bernie Mac
Bernie Mac was also part of the cast of Friday. He appeared in the film as Pastor Cleaver. His role was short but it made the film more interesting. Mac was known for his role in the sitcom The Bernie Mac Show where he portrays his life in a comic way.
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The Chicago-born star gained popularity as a stand-up comedian and later advanced his career to acting, where he won two Emmy awards. As an actor, he starred in films such as Booty Call, Bad Santa, Old Dogs and many more. Sadly, the award-winning comedian passed away in 2008 at the age of 50 due to complications of pneumonia.
Yvette Wilson
Yvette Wilson popularly known as Rita in the film Friday is another actress that has passed away. Wilson passed away at a young age of 48 years after a lengthy battle with cervical cancer. Wilson began a career in the early 90s and she was best known for her role as Monique in the sitcom The Parkers. She also appears in the sitcoms show Militia and the film House Party 3.
Reynaldo Rey
Reynaldo Rey is a cast member from the film Friday that has passed away in real life. Rey’s role in the movie was the red’s father. Rey passed away in 2015 after he suffered a heart attack. He was only 75 years of age at the time. Before his demise, Reynaldo Rey was a popular actor and comedian. He started many sitcoms shows including “227”, “Sister, Sister” and many more.
As a comedian, he hosted various events such as the Bet comic view both in the late 90s and the early 2000s. He also recorded three comedy albums and three videos.
Michael Clarke Duncan
Michael Clarke Duncan is one of the cast members of the film Friday that has passed away in real life. Michael had a minor role in the film but managed to make it memorable. He is best known for his role in the film the Green Mile where he was nominated for an academy award. He has also appeared in films such as Planet Of The Apes, Green Lantern and many more. He passed away in 2012 after suffering a heart attack.
