Deezer D, ER Star and Hiphop Artist, Has Passed Away At Age 55

Deezer D, who played nurse Malik McGrath on ER opposite George Clooney and Noah Wylie, has passed away at the age of 55.

Deezer D — Dead At 55

The actor, whose real name was Dearon Thompson, appeared on the hit show for its entire run from 1994 through 2009.

The sad news of his death was reported by TMZ, with his brother Marshawn confirming the family believes he died as the result of a heart attack in his Los Angeles home, though no official cause of death has been rendered.

Former co-star Noah Wyle, who played John Carter, took to Instagram to share his sadness. “I lost a dear friend yesterday. Deezer D, known to millions of ER fans as nurse, Malik McGrath, died yesterday morning. He was one of the most creative and charismatic men I’ve ever known and his gospel of positivity pulled us both up from many a dark place. I will miss him terribly. Please say a prayer for him and hold a loving thought for his family today.”

Parminder Nagra, who played Dr. Neela Rasgotra on ER, took to Twitter with the words, “so sad” in response to ER scribe Neal Baer saying, “Sad to learn that Deezer D has passed away. A very sweet, kind man and wonderful to work with on ER.”

In 2009, Deezer survived a major six-hour heart surgery. “I have a heart valve that is leaking and the aorta had expanded to way beyond what it is supposed to be,” the actor told Radar Online at the time. “As soon as the doctor identified what was going on, he put me in here … What I was going through for the last year —that was scary. I’m fearless about the surgery.”

Other acting roles included parts in the movie Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion and a guest spot on Bones.

In addition to his acting, Deezer was also a motivational speaker and a performer in the Christian and underground hip hop communities. In fact, just a few days ago, he posted on his Instagram account that he would be releasing a new single, “History Can’t Be Stopped,” this week.

Actor Scott Baio recently worked with Deezer on a new film and took to Twitter to mourn the passing of his friend.

“I’m sadden to learn the sudden passing of my friend Deezer,” he wrote. “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.”

Entertainment Hub also sends condolences to Deezer D’s family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.