The $160 Million Man: Where Is The Iconic Friday Cast Now? (2024 Updates)
The 1995 cult classic Friday remains one of the most influential and quotable comedies of its generation, launching the careers of several Hollywood heavyweights and cementing its place in cinematic history. Decades later, on this December 12, 2025, the question of "What happened to Craig and Smokey?" is more relevant than ever, especially with the long-awaited fourth installment, Last Friday, finally moving forward. This deep dive reveals the latest 2024 career updates, surprising net worth figures, and the tragic losses that have deeply affected the cast and the franchise's future.
The film, written by Ice Cube and DJ Pooh and directed by F. Gary Gray, was a low-budget phenomenon that spawned two sequels: Next Friday (2000) and Friday After Next (2002). While the core message of surviving a single, eventful day in South Central Los Angeles resonated with millions, the cast has since branched out into Oscar-winning drama, blockbuster directing, and major stand-up comedy tours, proving their talent extended far beyond the corner porch.
The Core Cast: Biographies and 2024 Career Updates
The original ensemble of Friday was a perfect blend of established comedians and fresh faces. Here is a look at the main surviving cast members—Craig, Smokey, Debbie, and Dana—and their current status, including their impressive net worth figures as of 2024.
Ice Cube as Craig Jones (Net Worth: ~$160 Million)
- Full Name: O'Shea Jackson Sr.
- Role in Friday: The recently fired, straight-laced protagonist who spends his day on the porch with Smokey.
- 2024 Career Update: Ice Cube remains the driving force behind the Friday franchise. He has been actively working on the script for the final chapter, Last Friday, and recently closed a deal with the studios to move the project forward, confirming his return to write and star. Beyond film, his music career is still highly active; he released new music in 2024, including the albums Man Down and Man Up. His business empire also includes the popular BIG3 basketball league, solidifying his status as a mogul.
Chris Tucker as Smokey (Net Worth: ~$5 Million - $50 Million)
- Full Name: Christopher Tucker
- Role in Friday: The smooth-talking, perpetually high, and highly indebted best friend.
- 2024 Career Update: After famously turning down the sequels, Chris Tucker became one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood for the Rush Hour franchise. In 2024, he made a triumphant return to his roots with "The Legend Tour," his first major stand-up comedy tour in over a decade. While his reported net worth can vary significantly, the figures often cited around $5 million reflect past financial issues, though his recent high-profile tour and acting appearances suggest a strong career resurgence.
Nia Long as Debbie (Net Worth: ~$5 Million - $10 Million)
- Full Name: Nia Talita Long
- Role in Friday: Craig's love interest and the moral compass of the neighborhood.
- 2024 Career Update: Nia Long has maintained a steady and versatile career in both film and television. In 2023, she starred in the hit Netflix comedy You People and the suspense thriller Missing. Her most significant recent project, announced in 2024, is her casting as Katherine Jackson, the mother of the King of Pop, in the highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, slated for a 2025 release.
Regina King as Dana (Net Worth: ~$16 Million - $24 Million)
- Full Name: Regina Rene King
- Role in Friday: Craig's sister, known for her brief but memorable scene of sibling rivalry.
- 2024 Career Update: Regina King's career has skyrocketed to critical acclaim, making her the most decorated alumnus of the Friday cast. She is an Academy Award and Golden Globe winner for her work in If Beale Street Could Talk. In 2020, she made her critically acclaimed feature film directorial debut with One Night in Miami.... Her recent projects include the crime drama Caught Stealing, cementing her status as a powerhouse actor, director, and producer in Hollywood.
The Tragic Loss: Iconic Friday Cast Members Who Have Passed Away
A poignant part of the Friday legacy is the loss of several beloved actors who brought unforgettable characters to life. Their passing has made the production of Last Friday particularly challenging for Ice Cube, who has insisted on honoring their memory in the final installment.
- John Witherspoon (Willie Jones, Craig's Father): The legendary comedian who played the iconic, financially savvy, and often absurdly philosophical father, Willie Jones, passed away from a heart attack in October 2019 at the age of 77. His catchphrase, "You got to coordinate!", remains a cultural touchstone.
- Tommy "Tiny" Lister Jr. (Deebo): The imposing actor who played the neighborhood bully, Deebo, died in December 2020 at the age of 62. Deebo was arguably the most memorable antagonist in the series, and his absence is a major hurdle for the Last Friday storyline.
- Bernie Mac (Pastor Clever): A King of Comedy, Bernie Mac had a small but hilarious role as the neighborhood Pastor Clever in the first film. He passed away in August 2008 due to complications from pneumonia. His career exploded after Friday, leading to his own successful sitcom, The Bernie Mac Show.
- Anthony "A.J." Johnson (Ezal): The actor who played Ezal, the crackhead who gets beaten up by Deebo, passed away in September 2021.
- Yvette Wilson (Day-Day’s Ex-Girlfriend): Though not in the original, she was a key cast member in Next Friday and Friday After Next. She passed away in 2012 after a battle with cervical cancer.
The collective loss of these comedic giants, especially John Witherspoon and Tiny Lister Jr., is the reason the Last Friday script has taken so long, as Ice Cube aims to craft a tribute worthy of their legacy.
Last Friday: The Final Sequel Update and The Creative Team
The journey to the fourth and final film, tentatively titled Last Friday, has been a long and complicated one, fueled by years of fan demand and creative rights issues. The most recent and freshest update, however, is a major step forward.
Ice Cube Closes the Deal
In a major development, Ice Cube has successfully closed a deal with Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema to develop the final installment. This news, confirmed in recent months, means the project is officially moving out of development hell and into active production planning. The script will need to address the absence of key characters like Deebo and Mr. Jones, a task Ice Cube has accepted to ensure the film is a proper send-off to the entire franchise.
The Original Creative Forces
While the cast is the face of the film, the original creative team is crucial to its success and topical authority:
- F. Gary Gray (Director): Gray made his directorial debut with Friday and has since become a major Hollywood director, helming blockbusters like Straight Outta Compton, The Fate of the Furious, and the 2024 Netflix hit Lift starring Kevin Hart. His involvement in Last Friday remains a major point of speculation and hope for fans.
- DJ Pooh (Co-Writer & 'Red'): DJ Pooh co-wrote the original script with Ice Cube and also famously played the minor character "Red," who has his car stolen. Pooh has been a consistent creative partner and director on the sequels, and his continued collaboration with Ice Cube is essential for maintaining the authentic tone of the series.
The enduring popularity of Friday is a testament to its sharp writing, relatable characters, and the incredible chemistry of its cast. From Ice Cube's transformation into a Hollywood mogul to Chris Tucker's return to the stand-up stage, the original cast members continue to define and shape the landscape of comedy and cinema, proving that even 29 years later, their Friday is far from over.
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