Actor Dearon 'Deezer D' Thompson passes away at 55

Dearon ‘Deezer D’ Thompson, best known for his role on former medical drama ER, has died aged 55.

According to Fox News, Thompson’s death was confirmed to TMZ by his brother, Marshawn, who relayed his family’s belief that he died of a heart attack. An official cause of death has yet to be released. The outlet reports that Thompson was found unresponsive at his home in Los Angeles on Thursday. It notes that he previously underwent surgery in 2009 on his heart to replace an aorta and fix a leaky heart valve.

Fox News reported that Thompson, who was commonly known by his nickname ‘Deezer D,’ appeared on ER from 1994 until 2009 playing the role of nurse Malik McGrath. He reportedly appeared in almost 200 episodes of the hit medical series. The actor also appeared in the movies Fear of a Black Hat and CB4 in 1993, Bringing Down the House in 2003, and Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion in 2009.

His ER co-star Terry Wilkerson reacted to his death on Thursday, writing on Twitter, “I had the pleasure of working with Deezer D on E.R. One of the kindest most Gentle souls ever. Even before Diversity was popular he made it on one of the biggest Shows on Network. Prayers to his family. Rest Easy my Brother.”

Actor Scott Baio said he recently worked with the deceased actor on a movie. “I’m sadden to learn the sudden passing of my friend Deezer. He was a devoted Christian. I just had the privilege of working with #DeezerDThompson on a @PureFlix movie. #CourtingMomAndDad. Sending my prayers and condolences to his family. Especially his young son,” Baio wrote.