WWE's Zeus Has Died
Tommy 'Tiny' Lister was 62.
Tommy 'Tiny' Lister, best remembered by wrestling fans for his WWE run as Zeus, has died.
TMZ reported last night that the actor and occasional wrestler was found dead in his Marina del Rey, CA apartment, after police responded to a wellness check request from his friends. Lister, who had been showing symptoms of COVID-19 in the past week, was 62 years old.
No cause of death has been announced.
Born 24 June 1958 in Compton, CA, Thomas Lister Jr. found sanctuary from the local gang life in acting during his youth. Being born blind in his right eye didn't prevent Lister from also becoming an accomplished athlete, and his first major role saw him combine his two passions: as the towering wrestler Zeus opposite Hulk Hogan in 1989's No Holds Barred.
The silver screen spilled over into the squared circle, as 'The Human Wrecking Machine' was soon drafted into WWE, and the rivalry from the movie became a reality. At SummerSlam '89, Zeus teamed with Randy Savage opposite Hogan and Brutus Beefcake, and one once more stared down his fictional nemesis 'Rip Thomas' as part of Ted DiBiase's Million Dollar Team at that year's Survivor Series. Their feud would finally come to an end within the confines of a steel cage, at December '89's double-bill PPV No Hold Barred: The Match/The Movie.
After his WWE forays, Lister famously went on to play Deebo in 1995's Friday, and its 2000 sequel. He had further roles in The Fifth Element, The Dark Knight, and Austin Powers: Goldmember, as well as a notable part in Star Trek: Enterprise as Klaang - the first Klingon to make contact with humans.
Just as his acting career was blossoming, Lister found time for one final wrestling appearance, showing up in WCW as Z-Gangsta in 1996. As part of the Alliance to End Hulkamania, he and a cadre of nefarious heels (including Robert 'Jeep' Swenson) sought to bring an end to Hogan's career once and for all, in a preposterous Doomsday Cage match at the year's Uncensored.
WhatCulture.com extends our condolences to Lister's family and friends.