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

AJ Johnson, known for his iconic role as Eazy-E in the cult classic *Friday*, experienced a turbulent journey marked by betrayal and hardship in Hollywood. Despite his memorable performance, Johnson faced a series of setbacks that ultimately led to his tragic demise.

After the success of *Friday*, AJ was poised to reprise his role in the sequel, *Next Friday*. He had a handshake agreement with Ice Cube for a $400,000 deal to return as Eazy-E.

However, just weeks later, AJ discovered that he had been barred from the set, with security preventing him from even entering. Ice Cube had replaced him with rapper Fredro Starr from Onyx, who would play a similar character for significantly less money. This betrayal shattered AJ’s trust and left him feeling discarded by someone he considered a friend.

Johnson’s career began unexpectedly. He was not initially an actor but a comedian from Compton with a distinctive style, including a Jheri curl. His father, Eddie Smith, was a stuntman and co-founder of the Black Stuntmen’s Association, instilling in AJ a fighting spirit.

AJ’s big break came when he was discovered on the set of *House Party*, where he showcased his comedic talent during an impromptu roast session with the cast. Despite his contributions being cut from the film, his performance caught the attention of comedy legend Robin Harris, who became his mentor.

AJ honed his craft in dive bars, facing tough crowds and learning the art of stand-up comedy. He eventually gained recognition on *Def Comedy Jam*, which led to his role in *Friday*.

Though his character had minimal scripted lines, AJ’s improvisation turned Eazy-E into one of the film’s most memorable characters. The movie was a massive success, grossing over $27 million worldwide and launching the careers of many involved.

However, the success of *Friday* did not translate into fair treatment for AJ in subsequent projects. After being cut from *Next Friday*, he continued to work with Ice Cube on other films, like *The Players Club*, which only deepened his confusion about their relationship. Despite having worked together, Ice Cube chose to recast AJ’s signature role, reinforcing AJ’s feelings of being disposable in the industry.

The betrayal took a toll on AJ’s mental health, leading him to develop chronic alcohol abuse as a coping mechanism. He struggled to find meaningful work, often being typecast as a comedian rather than being recognized for his range.

As new comedians emerged, AJ found himself underpaid and disheartened, receiving offers that were significantly lower than what he once commanded.

Tragically, AJ Johnson’s life came to an end on September 6, 2021, at the age of 55. He collapsed in a store and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The cause of death was revealed to be complications from chronic ethanol use, a consequence of the years spent battling addiction and the emotional pain stemming from industry betrayal.

In his final interviews, AJ expressed a sense of acceptance regarding his experiences with Ice Cube, acknowledging that it was ultimately Cube’s decision to make. Despite the hardships, he remained hopeful for a return to the big screen as Eazy-E, a role that had defined his career. AJ Johnson’s story is a poignant reminder of the harsh realities many face in Hollywood, where talent can sometimes be overshadowed by broken promises and betrayal.

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This summary captures AJ Johnson’s journey after *Friday*, highlighting the challenges he faced and the impact of his experiences on his life and career.