Dearon “Deezer D” Thompson, best known for his role in the former medical drama “ER”, has passed away. He was 55.
Thompson’s death was confirmed to TMZ by his brother, Marshawn, who conveyed his family’s belief that he had died of a heart attack. An official cause of death has yet to be revealed.
Thompson reports that Thompson did not respond to his statement in Los Angeles on Thursday. This indicates that he underwent surgery on his heart earlier in 2009 to replace an aorta and repair a leaking heart valve.
Thompson, best known by his nickname “Deezer D”, appeared on “ER” from 1994 to 2009 in the role of nurse Malik McGrath. He has reportedly appeared in nearly 200 episodes of the hit medical series.
MARION RAMSEY, ‘POLICE ACADEMY’ ACTRESS, DEAD AT 73
Deezer D as nurse Malik McGrath in an episode of ‘ER’ in 1995. The actor passed away on Thursday at the age of 55, his family confirmed.
(Getty)
The actor also appeared in the films “Fear of a Black Hat” and “CB4” in 1993, “Bringing Down the House” in 2003 and “Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion” in 2009. According to reports, the actor was also known in the underground hip-hop and Christian communities, which previously hosted a Christian radio program in Los Angeles. More recently, he reportedly also worked as a fitness coach.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER
His co-star “ER” Terry Wilkerson reacted to his death on Thursday and wrote on Twitter: ‘I had the pleasure of working with Deezer D on ER One of the friendliest souls ever. Even before diversity was popular, he had one of the largest programs on the network. Prayers to his family. Rest my brother. ‘
Scott Baio, alumni of the Happy Days, recently worked with the deceased actor on a film.
“I am saddened by the sudden passing of my friend Deezer. He was a devout Christian. I just had the privilege of working with #DeezerDThompson on a @PureFlix movie. #CourtingMomAndDad. Send my prayers and condolences to his family, especially his young son, ‘Baio wrote.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Producer Neal Baer also paid tribute to Thompson on Twitter, calling him a “sweet, friendly man and great at working with ER.”