Tommy Lister Jr.

Born Thomas Lister Jr., better known by his nickname "Tiny," Tommy Lister was an imposing character actor and former wrestler who left a lasting impact on both the big screen and the wrestling world. With a distinctive physique, Lister rose to fame playing the formidable neighborhood bully Deebo in the iconic Friday film series. His larger-than-life presence made him a force to be reckoned with onscreen.

Before his acting career took off, Lister briefly ventured into professional wrestling, where he squared off against the legendary Hulk Hogan in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) under the moniker "Zeus." This was not long after making an appearance in Hogan's movie No Holds Barred. Despite his foray into wrestling being short-lived, Lister continued to impress audiences with his diverse range of roles on both the small and big screen.

Despite being blind in one eye, Lister's acting ability shone through as he took on numerous guest appearances in television series. One such notable role saw him play Klaang, the first ever Klingon to make contact with humans (excluding Worf from Star Trek: First Contact), in the pilot episode of Star Trek: Enterprise. He also co-starred as Mr. Matlock's in-prison bodyguard in an episode of the courtroom series Matlock.

Lister's talents extended beyond television, and he appeared in music videos for renowned artists such as Sublime, featuring in their video for "Santeria," and Michael Jackson, starring in the memorable video for "Remember the Time." His eclectic portfolio also included a guest appearance in Austin Powers in Goldmember, where he portrayed a prisoner in a spoof of Jay-Z's "Hard Knock Life."

Tommy Lister's charisma and unique screen presence made him an unforgettable character in the world of film and entertainment. Sadly, he passed away on December 10, 2020, leaving behind a legacy that continues to captivate audiences today.