Actor and comedian Anthony “A.J.” Johnson of Friday fame has passed away.
TMZ reported that the 55-year-old’s nephew told the publication that his uncle was found unresponsive inside a Los Angeles store earlier this month. Johnson was rushed to a hospital and pronounced dead.
According to IMDB, the funnyman had 44 film credits to his name, but he was best known for his hilarious roles in BAPS, Friday and The Player’s Club.
Fans and celebrities reacted to news of the comedian’s death.
Rapper and actor Ice Cube wrote, “Sad to wake up to the news about AJ 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….”
Sad to wake up to the news about AJ 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… https://t.co/gKbYZDZ4Br
— Ice Cube (@icecube) September 20, 2021
Rest In Peace to the legendary comedic actor, AJ Johnson 🕊 pic.twitter.com/ifBxrpniB5
— Black Gall Street (@NupeDeVille) September 20, 2021
RIP Anthony Johnson, best known for his role as Ezal from Friday, films like I Got The Hook Up, BAPS, and Player’s Club. Here’s a clip of AJ Johnson on Def Comedy Jam. pic.twitter.com/ncKtsbInza
— NUFF (@nuffsaidny) September 20, 2021
Tears of sadness turned to tears of laughter real quick🤣🤣😂😂😂
Rest in Peace AJ Johnson, Thank You for the countless laughs and memories brother🖤
“HOT BOY HOT BOY BLING BLING”
🤣😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/YAH9wleQcc— Mr. Brown (@Mr_Brown_Sir) September 20, 2021
Damn not Comedian Anthony “AJ” Johnson….😢😢RIP Ezal pic.twitter.com/q2XPP8tUIJ
— C.J. (@MrBucNRight) September 20, 2021
This one hurts, I was very close to this guy. 💔 Rest well AJ Johnson pic.twitter.com/KJVOgkjJRK
— Michael Blackson (@MichaelBlackson) September 20, 2021
A cause of death has not been determined.
His wife, Lexis Jones Mason, created a GoFundMe for Johnson to help with funeral expenses and expenses for his family.