‘Friday’ Star Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister Dead at 62, Reportedly Experienced COVID Symptoms

Per TMZ: Lister had been experiencing COVID symptoms in the days leading up to his death … according to his manager, Cindy Cowan.

Cowan tells CNN that Tiny began feeling sick a week ago, but he got worse quickly — couldn’t breathe and felt very weak.

She says he was supposed to work on a movie set last weekend but had to cancel due to his breathing difficulties, and he also canceled a Zoom appearance for a TV festival Wednesday. That night is when Cowan says friends and family tried to call and check on him, but their calls went on answered.

7:08 PM PT — A release from The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department says friends and business associates of Lister became worried Thursday when they hadn’t heard from him since Wednesday night. Deputies performed a welfare check where they made their way into his apartment and found him dead.

At this point, cops say it’s believed that Lister died of natural causes … but an autopsy will be performed to determine an official cause of death.

Ice Cube, who starred in “Friday” posted a tribute, saying, “RIP Tiny “Deebo” Lister. America’s favorite bully was a born entertainer who would pop into character at the drop of a hat terrifying people on and off camera. Followed by a big smile and laugh. Thank you for being a good dude at heart. I miss you already.”RIP!