Anthony Johnson, ‘Friday’ Actor and Comedian, Dies at 55
"We lost an icon. He will be greatly missed," his rep LyNea Bell says.
He was not on the list.
Anthony Johnson, the comedian and actor who played the memorable Ezal in Friday, has died, his rep LyNea Bell confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 55.
No additional information about his passing was disclosed.
“We lost an icon. He will be greatly missed,” Bell told THR. “He has left with us amazing memories of his laughter, dynamic acting skills, but most of all his enormous personality and heart of gold. We will be in constant prayer for his entire family including his wife Lexis, three children, brother Edward ‘Peanut’ Smith, sister Sheila, and lifetime manager and friend Mike D. Please give them the time they need to process and grieve such a huge loss.”
Sometimes credited as “A.J. Johnson,” the actor appeared in several films, including House Party, Menace II Society and Lethal Weapon 3. He also appeared in the I Got the Hook-Up film series, and such TV shows as Martin and Malcolm & Eddie.
A Compton, California, native, the stand-up comic got his big break in 1990 when he landed the role of E.Z.E. in the Kid ‘n Play classic House Party. He would also appear in House Party 3.
Johnson is arguably best known for his hilarious performance in 1995’s Friday, the Ice Cube and Chris Tucker classic, where his character Ezal was usually stealing or scheming for a quick buck, like his fake slip-and-fall in the corner store.
“Sad to wake up to the news about A.J. Johnson passing away. Naturally funny dude who was straight outta Compton at the same time. Sorry I couldn’t bring your character Ezal back to the big screen in Last Friday,” Ice Cube said via Twitter.
Johnson was trending on Twitter Monday as news of his death broke, with fans sharing their shock and sorrow.
Johnson is survived by his wife, three children and brother.
Film
Year Title Role Notes
1982 Puss in Boots Field Hands TV Movie
1990 House Party E.Z.E.
1992 Lethal Weapon 3 Drug Dealer
1993 Menace II Society Tony
1994 House Party 3 Butcher
1995 Panther Tony
Friday Ezal
1996 The Great White Hype Sultan's Valet
1997 B*A*P*S James
How to Be a Player Spootie
Hoover Park
1998 The Players Club L'il Man
Woo Doorman
I Got The Hook Up Blue
Dark Angeles Drug Dealer / Attorney
1999 Rising to the Top Jailer #2 Video
2000 Hot Boyz Pee Wee Video
Baller Blockin' Himself
2001 O Dell
2002 On the Edge Hank Conrad
2003 Sweet Hideaway Coach
2004 Roscoe's House of Chicken n Waffles Roscoe Video
Hittin' It! Cousin E
2006 Repos Tick Tack Video
2015 Office Staff AJ TV Movie
2016 Undercover Princesses Dolph Thomas
2017 Candy Lollipop
2018 5K1 Wash Manager
Hey, Mr. Postman! Cousin Tino
Consequencez Detective
2019 I Got The Hook Up 2 Blue
The Dummy O.G.B.C Hype Man
Shorty Betta Go 2 Work - Grandma Huttie's Boyfriend Gold Grillz Short
Television
Year Title Role Notes
1989 The Bold and the Beautiful Caterer #2 Episode: "Episode #1.579"
1993-97 Martin Clyde / LaFonne 2 Episodes
1994 Def Comedy Jam Himself TV Series
South Central Thug on the Bus Episode: "Gun: Part 1"
1995 The Parent 'Hood Tre Episode: "Welcome Back, Robert"
1996 Moesha G-Dog Episode: "Niece"
1997 Malcolm & Eddie Free Willie 2 Episodes
The Jamie Foxx Show Lil Loc Dog Episode: "Super Face Off"
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