Comedian AJ Johnson Passes Away at 55

Comedian/Actor AJ Johnson has died after suffering a massive heart attack while shopping in Southern California.

TMZ reports that Johnson was found by his nephew lifeless in a Los Angeles store and rushed to a nearby hospital earlier this month. Doctors would later pronounce him dead, but no cause of death has was released at this time.

Johnson was best known for scene-stealing performances in urban comedy films “Friday” and “I Got The Hook-Up.”

Born and raised in Compton, California, Johnson would begin building his name in the early 90s as a comedian throughout the Los Angeles comedy scene. In 1992, he would be featured in Dr. Dre’s music video “Dre Day” as Sleazy-E, a parody of rapper Eazy-E. He would later reprise that role in Eazy-E music video “Real Muthaf*ckin G’s” in which he would be assaulted by the rapper. This would lead to one of AJ’s earliest breakout moments as he would be featured on HBO’s iconic comedy series “Def Comedy Jam” hosted by Martin Lawrence in 1994.

A year later, Johnson would land the role of his career as scam artist Ezal in 1995’s “Friday.” For years, fans would stop AJ on the streets of Hollywood and reenact his famous catchphrases “Smokey taking a sh*t” or “My neck and my back.” from the film. A.J. would go on to appear in nearly 50 films and TV shows, including “Moesha,” “Martin,” “Malcolm & Eddie,” “The Players Club” and “Def Jam’s How To Be A Player.” It’s also rumored Johnson was cast to reprise his role in the upcoming “Last Friday.”

AJ Johnson was 55 years old.

We Own The Laughs would like to send our thoughts and prayers to AJ Johnson’s family and close friends as they deal with this unexpected loss.