Ricky Harris, a talented comedian and actor, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with his unique style and infectious humor. His untimely death shocked fans and the comedy community alike.
In this article, we'll explore the circumstances surrounding Ricky Harris's passing and reflect on the legacy he leaves behind.
Who was Ricky Harris?
Ricky Harris was born on October 5, 1962, in Long Beach, California. He first gained recognition for his comedic talents in the 1990s, performing alongside notable comedians like Robin Harris, Martin Lawrence, and Snoop Dogg.
Ricky's distinctive voice, sharp wit, and ability to effortlessly switch between stand-up comedy and acting made him a beloved figure in both arenas.
Harris showcased his comedic prowess in various television shows and films, including “Def Comedy Jam,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” and “Dope.” His performances resonated with audiences, earning him a dedicated fan base and solidifying his reputation as a versatile entertainer.
How Did Ricky Harris Die?
Ricky Harris, a comedian and actor best known for his role as Malvo on the TV show Everybody Hates Chris, died of a heart attack. While he was not a household name, he had a significant impact on the hip-hop world, with several notable hip-hop musicians expressing tribute to him on social media.
Through his manager, Cindy Ambers, The Hollywood Reporter revealed the actor died of a heart attack. The actor's manager also told other news sites, including the Los Angeles Times, that her client suffered another heart attack two years ago; however, no additional details regarding his death were provided.
Ricky Harris grew up in Long Beach, California, and was a lifelong childhood friend of rapper/actor Snoop Dogg, who sent an emotional video tribute to Ricky Harris' family after learning of his passing. Below is what he had to say.
“I lost one of my dear friends, Ricky Harris, today.” Many of you may know him as a comedian, but he was also a very close friend of mine. May his soul rest in peace. An original from Long Beach.
The first comedian to emerge from Long Beach, as well as the first performer to emerge from Long Beach, My older brother, my homeboy, is now on his way to heaven. Please say a prayer for Ricky Harris' family on my behalf. “The best of Long Beach.”
Growing up in Long Beach, Ricky Harris, the son of a preacher, and Snoop Dogg used to sing in the church choir together. Ricky Harris made his feature film debut in filmmaker John Singleton's Poetic Justice in 1993, and the following year, he offered his humorous abilities to Snoop Dogg's breakout album “Doggystyle.”
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While he did not rap on the album, he did give the voices of characters such as DJ EZ Dicc, TaaDow, and Saul-T-Nutz in brief audio sketches. Snoop Dogg also posted another video to Instagram, this time of a scene from the 2001 film Bones, in which the rapper/actor revealed that Ricky Harris helped him stay cool while shooting. Snoop Dogg spoke about the late actor below.
“This is a freezing scene right here. Jimmy Bones, this is my first leading part. I was nervous as fuck, but Ricky Harris made me feel at ease because he was a boyhood buddy of mine. ‘Don't even act,' he said as he pushed me to the side.
Just be yourself.' It's one of the coldest scenes I've ever been in, and I'm grateful to be able to share it with my main man, Ricky Harris. May he rest in peace. Rick, go ahead. He was taken far too soon. We're going to commemorate your life.”
