AJ Johnson was a beloved comedian and actor synonymous with some of black Hollywood’s biggest cult classics. From Friday to the House Party franchise, he built his career on the screen and stage and was a fixture in our households. Last year he would pass under tragic circumstances, sending his family into a tailspin trying to figure out life without him. In the year since his wife has opened up about him and his legacy.
September 6th would mark a year since the world said goodbye to Anthony AJ Johnson. He was only 55 at his time of passing and was lost under initially mysterious circumstances. “The Player’s Club” star was found unresponsive in a Los Angeles store and was rushed to a hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. It was not until February of this year that TMZ released his cause of death to the public. AJ Johnson struggled with alcoholism and passed from “chronic ethanol use.” While no traces of alcohol or drugs were found in his system at the time of death, he did test positive for Covid-19.
His wife Lexis said at the time that his passing should be a warning to others about the dangers of alcohol usage and wanted to set up a foundation in his honor. At the time, his management team also released a statement reflecting on his career and legacy. “Anthony ‘AJ’ Johnson has left with us amazing memories of his laughter, dynamic acting skills, but most of all his enormous personality and heart of gold.” They continued saying, “We will be in constant prayer for his entire family, including his wife Lexis, three children, brother Edward ‘Peanut’ Smith, sister Sheila, and lifetime manager and friend Mike B.”
Since Aj’s passing, Lexis has been very busy keeping his legacy alive. On instagram AJ’s widow constantly post tributes to her late husband. She has also held tribute shows for the late actor and comedian at Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffe.
On his one-year anniversary, Lexis took to social media with a video collage of AJ and his life over the years. In her emotional tribute, Lexis acknowledged how many people have already moved on within the first year of his passing. “On 9/6/2021, We loss an ICONIC – Comedian/Actor @therealajjohnson. It’s crazy how ppl so quickly forget. I know you are happy & laughing at us down here. Poppie, I will forever remember the Blessed times. I will always LOL,” she stated.
