In very tragic news, actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd – who starred in Set It Off and tons of Spike Lee films – was reportedly murdered in Atlanta over the weekend. Spike Lee, Viola Davis and more took to social media to pay tribute to the famed actor. More inside…
2020 isn’t letting up.
Famed actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd – known for starring in several Spike Lee films – was reportedly shot and killed in Atlanta over the weekend. He was 70.
According to police spokesman Officer Anthony Grant, police responded to a call around 1:45AM Saturday and found the Set It Off actor unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds in his back. He was pronounced dead at the scene on the city’s southwest side, where he resided.
Homicide detectives are currently investigating the shooting to determine what happened and declined to provide further details.
After learning of his murder, Oscar winning director Spike Lee hopped on social media to pay tribute to his longtime collaborator. Thomas starred in tons of Spike Lee films, including, Clockers, Chi-Raq, Bamboozled, He Got Game and more.
He was also nominated for a Tony Award in 2003 for his performance in the Broadway revival of "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," co-starring Whoopi Goldberg and Charles S. Dutton.
"I’m So Sad To Announce The Tragic Murder Of Our Beloved Brother Thomas Jefferson Byrd Last Night In Atlanta,Georgia,” Spike wrote on Instagram. “Tom Is My Guy,Here Below You See Him As The Frightening Character Errol Barnes In CLOCKERS. Brother Byrd Also Did His Thang In My Joints- CHI-RAQ,SWEET BLOOD OF JESUS, RED HOOK SUMMER,BAMBOOZLED,HE GOT GAME,GET ON THE BUS,GIRL 6 And CLOCKERS. May We All Wish Condolences And Blessings To His Family. Rest In Peace Brother Byrd.”
Spike posted several tributes to the late actor:
A Fall From Grace actress Crystal Fox paid tribute to Thomas, including a statement from the Byrd family:
”These loses are becoming unbearable! But no more for me than the family of this artistic giant of a friend (whom I’ve worked with & known since I was a teenager) I/we loved & have now lost!!,” Crystal wrote. “First I promised to share this from The Byrd family:
‘Thomas is no longer on this earth plane. The kids and I are still reeling and trying to process. Please respect our privacy as we work thru this very difficult time.’
”As for me I know I’m not alone in this thing as I am ‘fighting’ to protect my heart & keep my emotions from driving me crazy but only God can do that when the list of sorrows continues to grow!!"
”Let me be extremely clear, the Lord has been gracious & merciful to me ALL of my life & He continues to bless me everyday & with every breath in my body but at THIS moment THIS human being is HEARTBROKEN .........I LOVE YOU T. BYRD!!! More than a hashtag."
Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis reacted to news of the YBF actor’s murder.
Oh no!!! 2020! Whaaattt!!! Loved working with you Byrd. What a fine actor you were. So sorry your life ended this way. Praying for your family. So very sorry. https://t.co/R9YxP4gNW4
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) October 4, 2020
"Oh no!!! 2020! Whaaattt!!!,” she tweeted. “Loved working with you Byrd. What a fine actor you were. So sorry your life ended this way. Praying for your family.”
"Queen Sugar" star Omar Dorsey shared how TJB inspired his acting career:
"OITNB" actress Lori Petty also shared a tweet about the talented actor:
- Rest In Peace, Thomas Jefferson Byrd......what a man, what a talent...what a crazy loss. Thank U for always giving all of U I Love U #macarthurpark @ Venice Beach https://t.co/yqAkU6G8Xp
— loripetty (@loripetty) October 4, 2020
Nasser Metcalfe – a friend of Thomas’ – also memorialized his friend:
A brilliant life taken away. Such a tragedy.
We send our condolences to his family, friends and fans! May he Rest in Power!
Photo: @byrdeyeviews
source: theybf
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