Comedian AJ Johnson Passes Away at 55

Anthony “AJ” Johnson, a stand-up comedian who appeared in movies such as “Friday” and “Lethal Weapon 3,” has passed away at the age of 55.

On Monday, the actor’s nephew told TMZ that Johnson was reportedly found lifeless in a store earlier this month in Los Angeles. Though he was rushed to a hospital, he was later pronounced dead.

Deadline later reported that Johnson passed away September 6, which was confirmed by his representative LyNea Bell, owner and president of BH Talent.

“The world of comedy has truly been shaken, again. Our BH Talent family is heartbroken about the loss of the iconic legend of stage and screen Mr. Anthony ‘AJ’ Johnson. He has left with us amazing memories of his laughter, dynamic acting skills, but most of all his enormous personality and heart of gold,” Bell said in a statement.

“We will be in constant prayer for his entire family including his wife Lexis, 3 children, brother Edward “Peanut” Smith, sister Sheila, and lifetime manager and friend Mike D. Please give them the time they need to process and grieve such a huge loss.”

Johnson’s cause of death has yet to be released.

After the tragic news broke, several of Johnson’s colleagues, including his “Friday” co-star Ice Cube and our very own Loni Love, wrote tributes on social media.

“Sad to wake up to the news about AJ Johnson passing away. Naturally funny dude who was straight outta Compton at the same time,” Ice Cube wrote.

“Sad to hear that my comic brother AJ has passed. you know him from a bunch of movies like ‘Friday’ and ‘Lethal Weapon [3]’. He was a comic’s comic.. make God laugh AJ. RIP,” Loni said.

Michael Blackson added:

Per Deadline, Johnson was born in Compton, California, and began performing stand-up in the 1990s.

In addition to films such as “Menace II Society,” “B*A*P*S*,” and “I Got the Hook-Up,” Johnson appeared in television shows such as “The Parent ’Hood,” “Malcolm & Eddie,” and “The Jamie Foxx Show.”