Over the past few days, the entertainment community has lost legends such asCarrie FisherandGeorge Michael, but fans are also mourning the loss of another talented entertainer who might not be quite as well known.Ricky Harris, a comedian and actor who may be best known for playing Malvo on the TV seriesEverybody Hates Chris, passed away after suffering a heart attack. While he may not have been a household name, he had a huge impact on the hip-hop community, with several prominent hip-hop artists paying their respects through social media.
The Hollywood Reporterconfirmed the actorpassed awayfrom a heart attack through his manager,Cindy Ambers. The actor’s manager also revealed to other news outlets such as the Los Angeles Times that her client had another heart attack two years ago, although no other details about his passing were given.Ricky Harrisgrew up in Long Beach, California, and was a longtime childhood friend of rapper/actorSnoop Dogg, who delivered a heartfelt video message on Instagram after learning aboutRicky Harris' death. Here’s what he had to say below.
“Lost one of mydear friendstoday,Ricky Harris. A lot of you may know him as a comedian, but he was a really dear friend of mine. May he rest in peace. A Long Beach original. The first comedian to make it from Long Beach, the first entertainer to make it from Long Beach. My big brother, my homeboy, on his way to heaven now. Send out a prayer toRicky Harris' family for me. Long Beach’s finest.”
BothRicky Harris, the son of a preacher, andSnoop Doggused to sing in the church choir together, while growing up in Long Beach. In 1993,Ricky Harrismade his feature film debut in directorJohn Singleton’sPoetic Justice, and in that same year, he contributed his comedic talents toSnoop Dogg’s breakthrough album “Doggystyle.” While he didn’t rap on the album, he provided the voices of various characters like DJ EZ Dicc, TaaDow, and Saul-T-Nutz in brief audio sketches on the album.Snoop Doggalso shared another video on Instagram, featuring a scene from the 2001 filmBones, with the rapper/actor revealing thatRicky Harrishelped keep him calm on the set. Here’s whatSnoop Dogghad to say about thelate actorbelow.
“This is a cold scene right here. This is my first starring role, Jimmy Bones. I was nervous as f–k, butRicky Harrismade me feel real comfortable because he’s someone I was childhood friends with. He pulled me to the side and told me, ‘Don’t even act. Just do you.’ It’s one of the coldest scenes I’ve ever been in right here, and I’m blessed that I’m able to share it with my main manRicky Harris,rest in peace. Go ahead, Rick. Gone too soon. We’re gonna celebrate your life.”
Ricky Harris' other acting credits includeTales From the Hood,Heat,High School High,Father’s Day,Hard Rain,Thick as Thieves,Simon Sez,Woman Thou Art Loosed,Not a Love Story,Boss’n Up,The Memory Thief,This Christmas,Dough Boys,Mr. Sandman,Battlefield America,Mid Life Gangsterand last year’sDope. On the small screen, he had a five-episode stint onMoesha, along with roles inFastlane,The Tracy Morgan Show,CSI: NY,NYPD Blue,ER,CSI: Miami,Everybody Hates Chris,Dark Blue,The Capeand, most recentlyThe People vs O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story. Take a look at the social media tributes toRicky Harrisbelow.
