Iconic comedy flick Friday revolved around the lives of two unemployed friends, Smokey and Craig. Their lives take an unexpected turn after the two become indebted to a notorious drug dealer. The movie was released in 1995 and was a huge box office success. The success of the original movie led to back-to-back movies, Next Friday in 2000 and the following movie, Friday After Next, in 2002. Sadly some of the cast of the original film have passed away.
These actors who are no longer with us are Michael Clarke Duncan, Bernie Mac, Tom Lister Jr., and Anthony Johnson. Ice Cube had earlier revealed how he had already presented the studio with not one but two scripts, but sadly enough, neither of the two scripts got the green light from Warner Bros.
Chris Tucker had earlier stated that he might be interested in getting involved if he felt it is appropriate while adding that if it comes together right, he will going to look at it and might see if it works. The actor explained that he never says, and it might be a possibility.
Friday Cast Then And Now: Here’s What We Know
Ice Cube: Ice Cube starred in the lead role in Feiday in the role of Craig, as he also co-wrote the film’s script. At the same time, this is not Ice Cube’s first acting stint, and he has earlier made his acting debut in Boyz n the Hood. Ice Cube has since then starred in several movies, including XXX: State of the Union, 21 Jump Street, and Ride Along.
Not only that, but Ice Cube went on to star in the next two “Friday” films and went on to act in the Barbershop film series as well. As the Friday movie celebrated its 20th anniversary, the actor stated that’ how the movie has gone on to become part of not only just American culture and how there are people all over the world that love it as the actor believes that is how movies should be. There have been ongoing speculations about a possible movie that might have some of the familiar faces along with Ice Cube on board.
Chris Tucker: Chris Tucker starred in the movie as Smokey as he gets himself and his friends into deep trouble after encouraging them to smoke the marijuana that he was initially supposed to be selling. Although the movie was a huge hit, the actor did not reprise his role in the upcoming sequels.
While talking about his decision, the actor admitted that he didn’t want everybody to smoke weed. He never really told people this because he admittedly forgot about it, but it was one of the reasons why he did not come back for the sequels
. Ice Cube further talked about Tucker’s exit saying how they were ready to pay Chris Tucker a whopping $10-12m to star in the Next Friday, but the Rush Hour actor turned them down for some religious reasons. Ice Cube tweeted this in response to a fan who asked whether the dispute of his not coming back was due to money. However, Cube cleared the air by stating Tucker did not want to cuss or smoke weed on camera anymore.
Also read: What Happened To Chris Tucker? The Actor Sparks Death Rumors
DJ Pooh: DJ Pooh starred in the movie as a delivery man named Red. Many might not know this, but he also co-wrote the script along with Ice Cube. However, it was reported that their equation eventually deteriorated after the movie’s release.
DJ Pooh later addresses the issue, stating that he and Ice Cube indeed had their difference while adding that he felt like he was wronged in the ‘Friday’ movie and they were young guys, so he took it personally. The actor and writer admitted that he did blame Cube, which was something that he probably should not have done. Later, DJ Pooh went on to direct and write several movies, including The Wash and 3 Strikes.
Regina King: Regina King starred as Craig’s younger sister, Dana Jones. The actress earlier made her acting debut in Boyz n the Hood. After that, there was no looking back for Regina King! The actress went on to win an Academy Award for her impressive role as Sharon Rivers in If Beale Street Could Talk. The actress went on to star in movies like Ray and Jerry Maguire. Regina King tried her directorial abilities in her first feature film: One Night in Miami, in 2020. The movie grabbed considerable critical acclaim.
Regina King’s television credits include The Leftovers, The Watchmen series, and American Crime as well. The actress once stated in an early interview that she feels like she is so much more interesting now while adding that she may not have the stamina that she had at 25, but she surely knows so much better.
Nia Long: Nia Long starred in the movie as Debbie. This marked her fourth theatrical movie. The actress earlier made her big screen debut in 1989’s “Buried Alive” and went on to bag the role of Brandi in “Boyz n the Hood.” Fans have earlier seen her in the hit sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, where she played two different characters, Claudia Prescott and Lisa Wilkes.
In an early interview in 2020, Nia Long revealed how she was turned down for a role in 2000’s Charlie’s Angels because she allegedly looked too old for the role. The actress has been producing monies along with acting. As she stated, she doesn’t want to be any part of a project where she feels like she is the token Black. The actress has been starring in numerous movies since then.
Faizon Love: Faizon Love starred in the movie as a drug dealer Big Worm. The notorious big worm creates several issues for both Craig and Smokey in the movie. The actor went on to star in movies like Elf, The Perfect Holiday, and Couples Retreat. Faizon Love also appeared on television shows like Wild ‘N Out and Def Comedy Jam.
Anna Maria Horsford: Anna Maria Horsfoed starred in the movie as Mrs Jones. Her role in the movie was widely appreciated, and the actress recalled how Friday’ is the most popular movie that she has ever been in. The actress revealed how she had gotten more upgrades on planes and thinks that she is fortunate enough to have reached three generations of people. Her other movie credits include A Madea Christmas; Along Came A Spider, Nutty Professor II: The Klumps, and Minority Report.
Paula Jai Parker: Friday was Paula’s first theatrical film, where Paula Jai Parker featured in, and she managed to leave a strong impression behind. Paula played the role of Craig’s jealous girlfriend, Joi. As Joi is also one of the people Craig tries to borrow money from does not succeed. The character eventually became a fan favorite for her strong attitude and her signature long braids.
The actress later revealed that she was taking those in and out for as many as four months. After Friday, there was no looking back for Paula as she went on to star in Hustle &Flow, Ray, and Phone Booth. Parker’s television credits include True Blood, Family Time, Ray Donovan, and Queen Sugar. Fans saw the actress playing the role o Headmistress Merriweather in the television series “Crown Lake” since 2019.
Tony Cox: While Tony Cox had a small role in the iconic comedy movie, he sure managed to make people laugh. The actor went on to star in other flicks, including Willow, Spaceballs, Beetlejuice, Me, Myself & Irene, and Oz the Great and Powerful. Tony Cox also starred in parody flicks, Date Movie, and Disaster Movie. His television credits include a guest role on Frasier, Rescue Me, and Instant Def. He recently lent his voice to the role of Chuck E. Duck in Pixar’s Toy Story Toons.
Meagan Good: While the actress has been acting since 1991, Friday became her feature film debut. Although the role was a small one, Meagen was widely recognized, and she went on to star in shows including Deception, Californication, My Wife, and Kids, along with Minority Report and Star. Meagen started in the Amazon comedy series Harlem.
Also read The Cast of Oliver Twist: Then and Now.
