Who Is Tommy Lister Jr.? Age, Biography and Wiki
Tommy Lister Jr. was born on June 24, 1958, and passed away on December 10, 2020, leaving behind a legacy as a multifaceted American actor and wrestler. With an imposing stature and magnetic presence, Lister was best known for his roles in films such as Friday and The Dark Knight. In 2025, his contributions to film and wrestling continue to resonate, influencing both fans and aspiring actors alike.
| Occupation | Voice Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 24, 1958 |
| Age | 62 Years |
| Birth Place | Pine Bluff, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 10 December, 2020 |
| Died Place | Marina del Rey, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Tommy Lister Jr.'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Tommy Lister Jr. stood at an impressive height of 6 feet 5 inches and was known for his muscular build. At his peak, he weighed around 300 pounds. While specific measurements may vary throughout his life, Lister's size played a significant role in defining the characters he portrayed, especially in action and comedy genres.
Lister appeared in the 1989 wrestling movie No Holds Barred, which was financed by the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and starred Hulk Hogan. Lister's role was Zeus, a brutal monster heel. No Holds Barred inspired a feud in the WWF during the latter half of 1989.
Lister was billed as "Zeus: The Human Wrecking Machine", and used the same "monster heel" gimmick in his matches by no-selling his opponent's moves. He would yell, "Aw! Aw!" and pound on his chest several times during his interviews and in the ring. Zeus would eventually demand Hogan to face him in the ring.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Tommy Lister Jr. was known to keep his personal life relatively private. He was married to Felicia Forbes, and they shared a commitment that extended beyond their relationship, often showcasing mutual support across their respective ventures. With no public records of other significant relationships, it is noted that Tommy was dedicated to his family and friends, often expressing love and gratitude for their influence in his life.
Net Worth and Salary
By the time of his passing in 2020, Tommy Lister Jr.'s net worth was estimated to be between $2 million and $5 million. His wealth was garnered from a prolific acting career that spanned over three decades, combined with his wrestling career in WWE where he made a mark as Zeus. His success was not solely confined to entertainment but also stemmed from various business ventures and endorsements.
At the event, the team of The Hulkamaniacs (Hulk Hogan, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, and Demolition) faced The Million Dollar Team (Ted DiBiase, Zeus, and The Powers of Pain). Zeus was eliminated from the match via disqualification after refusing to break a chokehold on Hogan and shoving the referee away.
The Hulkamaniacs went on to win the match, defeating the other team. After the Survivor Series, the feud between Hulk Hogan and Brutus Beefcake versus Randy Savage and Zeus ended with a steel cage match on December 27, 1989, at the No Holds Barred pay-per-view event.
Hogan and Beefcake were once again victorious in what would be Zeus's last match in the WWF. Lister's final WWF appearance was a promotional spot for the 1990 Royal Rumble.
Career, Business and Investments
Starting his journey in the wrestling world, Lister gained fame as "Zeus," captivating audiences with his larger-than-life persona. Transitioning into acting, he showcased his range in various films and television shows. Notably, his role as Deebo in Friday became iconic and is often quoted in popular culture.
In addition to his entertainment career, Tommy was involved in several business ventures, including collaborations with different products and appearances. His ability to engage with fans and cultivate goodwill further enhanced his earnings and established his legacy.
Lister had numerous guest appearances on TV series, including playing Klaang, the first Klingon to make contact with humans, in the pilot episode of Star Trek: Enterprise. He co-starred in a two-part episode of the courtroom series Matlock as Mr. Matlock's in-prison bodyguard.
He appeared in season 7 episode 9 of In the Heat of the Night, and in season 1 episode 15 of ER. He also starred in the sitcom 1st & Ten as Otis.
Social Network
Though Tommy Lister Jr. has passed, his legacy lives on through various social media platforms. Fans continue to honor his memory on Instagram and Twitter, celebrating his contributions to both film and wrestling. His official accounts remain a point of aggregation for his work and the fond memories shared by his fans.
In a Twitter encomium, Ice Cube recalled Lister's sense of humor: "RIP Tiny 'Deebo' Lister. America's favorite bully was a born entertainer who would pop into character at the drop of a hat terrifying people on and off camera. Followed by a big smile and laugh ... Thank you for being a good dude at heart. I miss you already."
Education
Tommy Lister Jr. graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) where he played college football before embarking on his wrestling and acting career. His education not only laid the groundwork for his success in entertainment but also honed his discipline and dedication.
In conclusion, Tommy Lister Jr. left a remarkable footprint in the entertainment industry, known for his talent, dedication, and larger-than-life personality. As we remember him in 2025, his legacy continues to inspire fans and newcomers alike.
Lister attended Palomar Junior College before transferring to Long Beach City College for his sophomore year. While at Long Beach, he recorded a 52 ft shot put throw, which helped to earn him a scholarship to California State University, Los Angeles. In his senior year, he won the national shot put title with a mark of over 61 ft. Lister was the 1982 NCAA Division II National Shot Put Champion.
