Tommy "Tiny" Lister Jr. was a towering figure, both physically and professionally, standing at 6' 5" and boasting a shaved head. He was a basketball player turned actor who appeared in over 132 films, playing a wide range of roles from prison guards to bodyguards, soldiers of fortune to gangsters.
Born in Compton, California, Lister grew up watching westerns and developed an interest in films and television at an early age. He was drawn to the work of Gary Cooper, Jimmy Stewart, Charlton Heston, and Errol Flynn, and envisioned his own life on screen, creating characters that transcended gender and color.
Lister began his acting career in the mid-1980s, making his feature film debut in Runaway Train (1985) alongside Jon Voight. He went on to appear in films such as 8 Million Ways to Die (1986),Beverly Hills Cop II (1987),and No Holds Barred (1989),working with notable actors like Andy Garcia, Eddie Murphy, and Hulk Hogan.
In the 1990s, Lister expanded his resume, appearing in films like Don Juan DeMarco (1994),Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead (1995),and Jackie Brown (1997). He also starred in the cult comedy Friday (1995) and its successful sequel Next Friday (2000),reprising his role as neighborhood bully "Deebo" opposite Ice Cube.
Lister's career was marked by his eclectic range of roles, from comedy to science fiction, and his ability to work with some of the best directors and actors in the industry. He also made a name for himself in the world of professional wrestling, competing as "Zeus" and "ZGangsta" for the WWE (formerly WWF).
However, Lister's true passion was his ministry and public speaking. Along with his wife Felicia, he ministered across the country, reaching out to troubled youth and sharing his powerful testimony and inspiration in churches and schools.
Tommy "Tiny" Lister Jr. may not have been an A-list star, but he was a beloved character actor who left a lasting impact on the film industry and beyond. He passed away on December 10, 2020, at the age of 62, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and a commitment to spreading hope and inspiration.
