Anthony Johnson, an actor and comedian best known for his performance as Ezal in “Friday,” has died.
His representative confirmed Johnson’s death to multiple news outlets. However, no cause of death has been announced yet.
TMZ reported that Johnson’s nephew described a medical issue stemming from a month earlier. Johnson was found lifeless in a store earlier this month in Los Angeles and rushed to a hospital. It was at the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
“The world of Comedy has truly been shaken, again. Our BH Talent family is heartbroken about the loss of the iconic legend of stage and screen Mr. Anthony “AJ” Johnson,” Bell said in a statement. “He has left with us amazing memories of his laughter, dynamic acting skills, but most of all his enormous personality and heart of gold.”
A Comedian’s Comedian
LyNea Bell, a representative for Johnson, confirmed the news to multiple news outlets.
“The world of comedy has truly been shaken, again,” Bell said to USA Today. “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, 3 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.”
Johnson had a slew of roles in movies that became underground cinematic hits for the culture.
A ’90s Cinema Star
His character Ezal in the first installment of the “Friday” movie franchise is a pillar of the culture. The minor role took center stage, responsible for the famous catchphrase, “You got knocked the &%*# out!” the minor role took center stage.
That was in 1995.
However, Johnson’s body of work begins earlier than that breakout moment. Johnson appeared in 1989’s “Lethal Weapon 3,” and he played EZE in the classic 1990s movie “House Party.” He also appeared in the classic 1993 Los Angeles street movie “Menace II Society.”
Johnson also had notable characters in movies “The Players Club” and “BAPS.” However, he made his starring debut in Master P’s “I Got The Hook Up.”
He repeated the classic cult role in 2019’s “I Got The Hook Up 2.”
The film came out in 1998 during the height of Master P and No Limit Records’ success. Johnson played “Blue,” an affable hustler moving cellphones through the hood with an always-ready “Black,” played by Master P.
The Original Small Man Self-Deprecation
Johnson’s signature small man complex comedy routine was his signature. It was well before Kevin Hart perfected it, and his facial gestures cemented his style.
As one of the Def Comedy Jam circuit pioneers, Johnson was part of the wave of comedians in the ‘90s that would become screen stars.
Additionally, Johnson appeared on classic crossover television shows like “Martin” and “Malcolm & Eddie.”
Johnson grew up in Compton, California, and was celebrated by Ice Cube today via Twitter.
Beyond his memorable performance in the 1995 hit film “Friday,” Johnson also appeared in “House Party,” “Menace II Society,” “Lethal Weapon 3,” “The Players Club” and “B.A.P.S” His television credits include “Martin” and “Malcolm & Eddie.”
