Sad news hit the web when it was revealed that legendary comedian John Witherspoon passed away (Oct.29). The late rapper, entrepreneur and activist's Nipsey Hussle certainly not forgotten, who was shot in front of his own clothing store (March.31). Actor Louie Rankin and known as the “Original Don Dada” died in a car crash involving a transport truck in Canada (Sept.30). The legendary film director, screenwriter, producer, and actor. John Singleton has died after suffering from a stroke. (April.28)
These 4 legends will be forever missed.
“Nipsey Hussle died at 33”
Nipsey Hussle was born Ermias Joseph Asghedom in 1985. — better known as rapper, businessman, cultural and community activist and philanthropist Nipsey Hussle — was killed (March.31.2019) Sunday, gunned down in front of his own Marathon Clothing Store in his hometown of Los Angeles. Two others were wounded. Hussle was 33 years old. His acclaimed 2017 Victory Lap was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Rap Album category. Hussle is survived by his two children and girlfriend, the actor Lauren London.
Watch above: Nipsey Hussle's Honored In Funeral Service At Staples Center
“John Witherspoon died at 77”
Detroit-born actor and comedian John Witherspoon died of a heart attack, according to his death certificate. For decades made audiences laugh in TV shows and films, including the Friday feature franchise and the WB’s The Wayans Bros died at his home John Witherspoon‘s family confirmed the death of the beloved actor and comedian early Wednesday morning (Oct.29.2019) on his Instagram.
Watch above: Ice Cube's Beautiful Speech At John Witherspoon's Funeral
“Louie Rankin died at 66”
'Belly' actor & Grammy-Winning Dancehall artist known as “Original Don Dada”dies in car crash in Canada at 66. TORONTO — Jamaican dancehall reggae artist and actor Louie Rankin.
Dancehall Deejay, 'Belly' & 'Shottas' actor Rankin died at the scene of the accident on Highway 89 in Ontario and the driver of the transport truck suffered no physical injuries, police said. Police photos show a mangled vehicle and a truck along the side of a highway.
In 1992, he released his album Showdown that featured the hit “Typewriter.” He was nicknamed the “Original Don Dada.”
“John Singleton died at 51”
Los Angeles-born-John Singleton, whose powerful debut film, “Boyz N the Hood,” earned him an Oscar nomination for best director, the first for an African-American, died on Monday in Los Angeles. He was 51.
“On Wednesday, April 17th our beloved son/father, John Singleton, suffered a stroke while at the hospital,” the family statement read. “John is currently in the ICU and under great medical care.”
A two-time Oscar nominee for writing and directing his debut film Boyz N the Hood (1991), Singleton was a trailblazer in black cinema. He was a benchmark in filmmaking and his voice spoke to an audience with black storytelling that had never been seen or heard. He shined a light on black narratives in the ’90s, adding his pioneering voice to the need for inclusive voices in the industry.
Born in L.A. on January 6, 1968, Singleton attended Blair High School and went on to Pasadena City College and then to USC School of Cinematic Arts. At first, he was toying with the idea of pursuing computer science, but then he enrolled in USC’s Film Writing Program — and this was the spark that started a career that would cement him as one of the most influential filmmakers of our time.
Watch above: John Singleton's on writing the screenplay for "Boyz N the Hood"