Friday Cast & Character Guide: Examining the Classic Comedy
Though tragically, several of the most well-known Black actors of the time are among the cast members in the 1995 buddy comedy "Friday." Starring Ice Cube and Chris Tucker, "Friday" chronicles Craig Jones's (Ice Cube) daily routine along with his lethargic friend Smokey (Tucker) following Craig's job dismissal. Unlike some other classic Black films of the time, "Friday" is a light comedy devoid of the dramatic tensions and violence seen in films like "New Jack City" or "Boyz n the Hood."
"Friday" demonstrates that even while life in the areas where writers Ice Cube and DJ Pooh grew up can be hazardous, it does not imply it cannot be enjoyable as well. Though for the most part it's just a community with its developing pains and friendships, Smokey, Craig, and the rest of the "Friday" characters have to cope with some bullying and illicit activities. Over years, "Friday" has attracted a cult following and even spawned the "Bye, Felicia" meme. A big component of "Friday's" durability is its gifted ensemble; some of them have regrettably departed away.
Recalling the Friday Cast Members who have passed away
The "Friday" cast has lost numerous of its most unforgettable members throughout the years.
Tommy Lister Jr. As Deebo
Tommy "Tiny" Lister Jr. listed at 6' 5" and 300 lbs in his professional wrestling days (via WWE), although his nickname suggested less than his great weight. This meant he was frequently cast as big, menacing characters, like Deebo in "Friday." Lister Jr. has had several noteworthy performances over his career; his typecasting resulted in a busy one. He portrayed Mr. Mussels on "Fish Hooks" and one-episode characters in "NYPD Blue" as Bob and "Renegade" as Marvin Montgomery on TV.
Among his noteworthy parts were those of President Lindberg in "The Fifth Element," Cassius in "Little Nicky," and tattooed prisoner throwing the Walkie-Talkie off the boat in "The Dark Knight." At age 62, Lister Jr. passed away on December 10, 2020, from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
Character: In "Friday," Deebo is a local bully who exploits Craig's size to have Smokey rob a house for him. By beating up Deebo at the climax of the movie when Deebo punches Craig's love interest, Debbie (Nia Long), Craig at last stands up for himself.
John Witherspoon As Jones
Actor John Witherspoon left behind a rich history of performances after dying on October 29, 2019, at the age of 77 from a heart attack. Among Witherspoon's most well-known television parts are Grandpa Alvin in "The First Family," John "Pops" Williams in "The Wayans Bros.," and Robert "Granddad" Freeman in "The Boondocks." Among his noteworthy screen credits are Mr. Jackson in "Boomerang" and Silas Green in "Vampire in Brooklyn."
Character: On "Friday," Willie Jones is an animal control officer. He is also the over-the-top, expressive, extremely severe father of Craig and Dana King.
Bernie Mac as the clever pastor
Actor Bernie Mac died August 9, 2008, at the age of 50 following much of his life of silently living with severe sarcoidosis. Mac was a hugely popular stand-up comedian and comic actor who got two Golden Globe nominations for his starring performance in "The Bernie Mac Show," one of the most watched Black sitcoms of the 1990s and 2000s. Impressive were his movie credits as Frank Catton co-starring in the Steven Soderbergh "Ocean's" trilogy. He also portrayed Floyd Henderson in "Soul Men," and Stan Ross in "Mr. 3000."
Mac portrays Pastor Clever, a weed-smoking man of God visiting Smokey in search of goods. Though Mac has a minor part, in his few minutes on screens he is funny.
Tony Johnson As Ezal
Actor Anthony Johnson died on September 6, 2021, at the age of 55, after multi-system organ failure following years of regular alcohol intake. Johnson also featured as Lil Loc Dog on "The Jamie Foxx Show" and as Free Willie on "Malcolm & Eddie". Among his cinematic credits are "The Players Club" as L'il Man, a reunion with Ice Cube and Bernie Mac, and "I Got the Hook-Up" as Blue.
Character: Johnson portrays local neighborhood thief Ezal in "Friday." Arriving at Deebo's house at the same time as Smokey and Craig, Ezal causes disturbance that wakes Deebo, therefore ruining Craig and Smokey's intentions for robbery.
Rita Wilson as Yvette Wilson
Actor Yvette Wilson has participated in several shows prior to her death on June 14, 2012, at the age of 48 from cervical cancer. Wilson was Esther in "House Party 3" and a nurse in "Don't Be a Menace" in films. She memorably starred on TV in "Moesha" and "The Parkers" as Andell Wilkerson, "Thea" as Lynette Armstrong-Russell, and "The Jamie Foxx Show" as Mary Jane.
Character: Smokey is set up on a date with Rita, but he is disappointed when he finds she does not fit the "Janet Jackson" look she was characterized as.
Friday's Ongoing Legacy: Enduring
"Friday" is still a much-loved movie, and the death of these gifted performers reminds us of their long influence on the entertainment business. Generations to come will still find delight in their contributions to "Friday" and other masterpieces.
