‘Friday’ Actor Anthony Johnson Cause of Death Linked to Years of Heavy Drinking

Anthony Johnson

‘Friday’ Actor Anthony Johnson Cause of Death Linked to Years of Heavy Drinking

New details have emerged regarding the death of 55-year-old comedian, and actor Anthony ‘A.J’ Johnson. Anthony Johnson was best known for his role as Ezal in the classic film, Friday. As previously reported, Anthony Johnson was found “lifeless” in a Los Angeles store in September of 2021. The medical examiner has determined that Johnson’s cause of death can be linked to his years of “chronic ethanol use.” However, in the autopsy report obtained by TMZ, the coroner’s office revealed that at the time of the actor’s death, the preliminary toxicology report did not reveal alcohol or recreational drug abuse in his system. The report did reveal that the actor had recently tested positive for COVID. The medical examiner also noted that Johnson’s death was natural.

The wife of the Friday star, Lexis Mason, spent twenty-eight years with the comedian. The widow has previously spoken out about the financial burden that she faced while preparing for the funeral of her late husband. Lexis Mason is planning to start a foundation with the hopes of informing the public of the impact that long-term alcohol use can have on life expectancy.

Johnson has contributed to Black film culture dating back to the nineties. The actor has appeared in House Party, The Jamie Foxx Show, The Players Club, B*A*P*S, Menace II Society, and Moesha. Rapper, and actor Ice Cube previously shared his condolences for the untimely passing of his fellow co-star. Ice Cube also offered his apologies that Johnson will not be able to reprise his role as Ezal in the Last Friday.  We continue to send our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Anthony Johnson.

Authored by: Hannah Hayes