SOURCE: Blackchristiannews.com
The Internet is weeping over the Covid-19-related deaths of beloved character actor Tiny Lister, country music legend Charlie Pride and veteran theater and tv actress Carol Sutton.
Tommy “Tiny” Lister, 62
The character actor best known for his performance as Deebo in the cult classic Friday (1995) was found dead in his California home Thursday (12/10/20) after friends and business associates could not reach him, authorities said. Lister, who was blind in his right eye since birth, appeared in 220 television and film roles. In early 2020, he had been diagnosed with Covid-19 and thought he had overcome the virus. Friends worried about him as he struggled to breathe and make it through a livestream Monday and canceled an appearance at a TV festival. When friends were alarmed by his appearance Monday, he stated, “God’s Got Me.”
Charley Pride, 86
Country music’s first Black superstar passed away from Covid-19 complications. The son of sharecroppers, also served in the U.S. Army and played in the Negro Baseball Leagues, received the Country Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award last month in Nashville. The award was presented to him by Jimmie Allen, a young Black country star. Pride and Allen performed a duet at the awards show. Show producers said they followed Covid-19 protocols but some in attendance did not wear masks.
Carol Sutton, 76
Veteran actress Carol Sutton of Steel Magnolias and “Queen Sugar” fame has died of Covid-19 complications. The New Orleans native and theater legend, whose career spans over 50 years, died in the hospital in her hometown. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell confirmed Sutton’s death and remembered her in a statement posted Friday (12/11/20) on the government website. Mayor Cantrell wrote:
“Carol Sutton was practically the Queen of New Orleans theater, having graced the stages across the city for decades. The world may recognize her from her performances in movies and on TV — whether it’s ‘Treme’ or ‘Claws,’ or ‘Runaway Jury’ or ‘Queen Sugar’ — but we will always remember her commanding stage presence, her richly portrayed characters, and the warm heart she shared with her fellow cast and crew in productions such as ‘4000 Miles’ and ‘A Raisin in the Sun.’ May she rest in God’s peace.