**Whatever Happened to AJ Johnson After ‘Friday’? The Truth Is Shocking**

AJ Johnson’s story after his breakout role in “Friday” is one of Hollywood betrayal, broken promises, and personal tragedy. Johnson, best known for his hilarious portrayal of Ezal, the crackhead with the iconic “neck and back” lines, never planned to be an actor.

He was just a funny guy from Compton who inherited a fighting spirit from his father, a pioneering Black stuntman. AJ’s natural comedic talent landed him his first opportunities, but Hollywood’s harsh realities quickly set in.

AJ’s big break came almost by accident. He was hanging around the set of “House Party,” trading jokes with the cast and roasting their high-top fades while rocking his outdated jheri curl.

Director Reginald Hudlin spotted his raw talent and gave him a chance to riff with comedy legend Robin Harris. Though most of AJ’s lines were cut, Robin saw his potential and mentored him, encouraging AJ to develop his stand-up act. AJ spent years grinding through the comedy circuit, performing for tiny crowds and little money, learning the hard way what it meant to survive in entertainment.

His career changed when he landed the role of Ezal in “Friday.” Originally given only two lines, AJ improvised most of his scenes, turning Ezal into one of the most quotable and beloved characters in Black comedy.

The film’s success launched careers for Chris Tucker and Ice Cube, but AJ’s contribution was largely overlooked when it came time for the sequel.

When “Next Friday” was announced, Ice Cube personally called AJ to discuss reprising his role. They met, agreed on a $400,000 handshake deal, and AJ began preparing for the film.

But three weeks later, AJ learned production had started without him. Security barred him from the set, and he discovered Ice Cube had replaced him with Fredro Starr from Onyx for a fraction of the agreed fee. The handshake meant nothing; the deal was dead. AJ’s faith in the industry—and in Cube, a fellow Compton native—was shattered.

AJ continued to work with Ice Cube on other projects like “The Players Club,” but the betrayal over “Next Friday” left deep scars. When he confronted Cube, he was met with deflection and disrespect. The industry had shown him that loyalty and handshake deals meant nothing when money was involved.

Typecast as Ezal, AJ struggled to find meaningful roles. Casting directors only saw him as the crackhead comedian, and the rise of social media stars further marginalized seasoned comics like him. While new comedians commanded huge fees, AJ was forced to accept low-paying gigs, grinding through exhausting tours just to survive. The

stress and disappointment of being blackballed and underappreciated led AJ deeper into alcoholism—a coping mechanism that ultimately destroyed his health.

On September 6, 2021, AJ Johnson collapsed in a Los Angeles store and died at age 55. The official cause was multi-organ failure due to chronic alcohol abuse. His death was a tragic reflection of the pain and betrayal he endured in an industry that gave him so little in return for his talent.

AJ Johnson’s legacy is bittersweet. He brought Ezal to life through improvisation and comedic genius, making a character that transcended the film. But the man behind the laughs died waiting for the respect and opportunities he deserved. His story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of broken promises and the cost of surviving Hollywood.