Anthony “A.J.” Johnson, a comedian and actor best known for his roles in “Friday” and “Menace II Society,” has died, according to multiple reports. He was 55.
In a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, Johnson’s representative, LyNea Bell, confirmed his death Monday.
“We lost an icon,” Bell said. “He will be greatly missed.”
His death was first reported by TMZ. His nephew told the entertainment news site that Johnson “was found lifeless in a store earlier this month in Los Angeles and rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.”
It was not immediately clear what caused Johnson’s death. No cause of death has been released, TMZ reported.
Johnson appeared in dozens of films and several TV shows over the course of his acting career, which began with an appearance in the 1982 TV movie “Puss in Boots.”
His career took off in 1990, when he was cast in the role of E.Z.E. in “House Party,” according to The Hollywood Reporter. He also portrayed Tony in 1993′s “Menace II Society,” Ezal in 1995′s “Friday” and “L’il Man” in 1998′s “The Players Club.”
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