'Boyz N’ the Hood's Jessie Lawrence Ferguson Found Dead

Just days before the death of "Boyz N' The Hood" director John Singleton, an actor in the film also passed away. 76-year-old Jessie Lawrence Ferguson who portrayed the shady cop in the movie died in his home while watching television.

It is with sadness that we report the death of Jessie Lawrence Ferguson, the actor who famously portrayed the dirty cop in the film, “Boyz N’ The Hood.” He was 76.

A NATURAL DEATH

TMZ reports Jessie’s son, Jace discovered him lifeless on Friday, April 26 in their home in Palmdale, California. The actor was by his bedside with the TV on. His death came as a shock considering he appeared healthy prior to his demise.

Police have ruled out anything suspicious about Jessie'’s death and pronounced it as a natural occurrence though its cause remains unknown.

"He was a strong, beautiful intelligent black man and he wanted the best for his son and all people.”

THE LOSS OF "A STRONG, INTELLIGENT BLACK MAN"

Jessie was a native of The Bronx and was famous for his trademark deep voice and shady character in the 1991 film, “Boyz N’ The Hood.” He is best remembered for the scene where he put a gun to the throat of the character portrayed by Cuba Gooding, Jr. and said, "You think you're tough? I could blow your head off right now. That's why I took this job."

His other film credits include “The Chosen One,” “The Presidio,” “The Prince of Darkness,” and “The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai.”

Jessie will also be remembered for his admirable traits. After his passing, his son said, “He was a strong, beautiful intelligent black man and he wanted the best for his son and all people.”

THE DEATH OF HIS DIRECTOR

Jessie’s death was reported just days before his “Boyz N’ The Hood” director, John Singleton passed away after suffering a stroke. Singleton was in a coma for 10 days when his family announced on April 29 that he would be taken off life support. It was later confirmed that he had died.

He was a pioneer in the film industry after becoming the first African American director and youngest to be nominated for an Oscar in 1992 for “Boyz N’ The Hood."

Prior to the 51-year-old director’s death, his family was reportedly at war over his estate.

His mother, Shelia Ward filed legal documents asking the court to appoint her as temporary conservator while he was in a coma. However, his daughter, Cleopatra doubted Shelia’s intentions and feared she was out to deplete Singleton’s money.

Meanwhile, many mourn Singleton’s death. He was a pioneer in the film industry after becoming the first African American director and youngest to be nominated for an Oscar in 1992 for “Boyz N’ The Hood.”

His other directorial works include “Poetic Justice,” “Higher Learning,” “Baby Boy,” and the remake of “Shaft.” He also directed “2 Fast 2 Furious” and “Four Brothers.” On television, he directed episodes for “Empire,” “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story,” and “Billions.”