'Friday' Star Anthony 'AJ' Johnson Died From Alcohol Abuse - Page Six

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Anthony “AJ” Johnson’s cause of death has been revealed.

The “Friday” star died in September 2021 at age 55 from “chronic ethanol use,” which was a result of years of heavy drinking, according to an autopsy report obtained by TMZ.

The toxicology report did not find traces of alcohol or common drugs in Johnson’s system at the time of his death.

The performer’s nephew previously told TMZ that his uncle was found unconscious in a Los Angeles store in early September.

Since then, Johnson’s widow, Lexis Jones Mason, has started a foundation to teach youth about the dangers of alcohol.

She told TMZ she wants her late husband’s legacy to “inspire others to put the bottle down.”

Mason said she was also moved to start the foundation in Johnson’s name because she has other close friends who have lost their children due to alcohol. She’s been voluntarily speaking to teens at church.

As previously reported, Johnson’s rep LyNea Bell confirmed the comedian’s death back in September.

“We lost an icon. He will be greatly missed,” the publicist told the Hollywood Reporter at the time. “He has left with us amazing memories of his laughter, dynamic acting skills, but most of all his enormous personality and heart of gold.”

Johnson is best known for his scene-stealing role as Ezal on “Friday.”

The actor had also landed a string of roles in hit feature films, including “House Party,” “Menace II Society,” “Lethal Weapon 3” with Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, “The Players Club,” “I Got The Hook Up” and “B.A.P.S.” with Halle Berry.

Among his varied television credits were national commercials for Dodge and guest appearances on “Martin” with Martin Lawrence, “Moesha” with Brandy and “The Jamie Foxx Show.”