Tommy 'Tiny' Lister, NCAA champion, actor best known as Deebo, dies at 62
Tommy “Tiny” Lister, a former NCAA champion, actor and professional wrestler, died on Thursday at 62 years old.
Best known for his role as Deebo in 1995 hit comedy “Friday,” Lister was also a champion shot put athlete for Cal State L.A. Lister also briefly wrestled under the moniker Zeus for the then-WWF in 1989 before starring as the character in the 1989 movie “No Holds Barred” alongside Hulk Hogan.
Lister found dead in his home
His manager Cindy Cowan confirmed to the Associated Press that Lister was found dead in his Marina Del Rey, California, home Thursday afternoon. The cause of death has not been released. Cowan told AP that Lister was diagnosed with COVID-19 earlier this year and recovered.
He became sick last week with an unconfirmed illness and had trouble breathing, Cowan said.
Lister’s role as Deebo, a menacing neighborhood bully, remains a favorite of fans 25 years after “Friday” debuted. Rapper Ice Cube, who co-wrote and starred in “Friday,” posted a fond remembrance of Lister on social media Thursday evening.
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
Lister also appeared in “The Dark Knight,” “The Fifth Element” and “Beverly Hills Cop II” among other movies.
Lister was champion, Hall of Fame track and field athlete
Before embarking on his wrestling and acting career, Lister was a star athlete at Cal State L.A. He was the 1982 NCAA Division II shot put champion and held a school-record throw of 61-8 that stood until 1997.
He is a member of the Division II Track and Field Athlete Hall of Fame.
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