
His first feature films included the 1991 rap-oriented remake of Rebel without a Cause, Cool as Ice, starring rapper Vanilla Ice, and in the 1993 comedy CB4, playing a member of an up-and-coming rap group, followed by bit parts in The Great White Hype in 1996 and Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion in 1997.īut it was on television that Deezer D first found great success.
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He attained two roles in the early 1990s in John Wells' series China Beach and Angel Street, which introduced him to the entertainment world and set him on the path to becoming a well-known actor. Using the name "Deezer D," he was soon playing small television roles, and in time decided to pursue acting as a career.

His real break came with a rap song he had written about the dangers of smoking, which led to a television spot and an agent. Music was in his blood and it came naturally to him, even though breaking into the music industry required hard work and persistence. Deezer D recalled his parents' early discouragement from drinking and drugs, but he noted in an interview with Connection Magazine that "When I started doing it, it wasn't really a big deal." Drinking and rap music became a big part of Deezer D's life-a lifestyle he shared with his family and friends.Įncouraged by friends, Deezer D followed his interest in music by writing and singing rap songs. Without a spot on the basketball team, Deezer D soon began drinking heavily. Sports had served as a slight buffer from bad influences.

Being forced to leave his high school basketball team changed Deezer D's life.
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Although he harbored a dream of becoming a professional basketball player, he was thrown off his high school team and soon after left high school without graduating.

"My house was like the Jerry Springer Show," claimed Deezer D on the Connection Magazine Web site. He grew up in South Central Los Angeles, California, where he eventually became the member of a gang. His music and changed lifestyle have inspired and given hope to those he grew up with, as well as to the world that knows him as a rebel turned Christian.ĭeezer D was born Dearon Thompson in 1965 into a family that drank heavily. As an actor and a Christian rap artist, Deezer D has proven that success is possible in spite of the roots from which a person comes. Having listened to rap music most of his life, Deezer D wanted to send out a positive message to kids as opposed to the negative messages from the rap music he had grown up with. His conversion included a movement towards the Christian rap music industry that culminated in an album with a strong message about the artist's own life and fame. Take a look.Best known for his role as nurse Malik McGrath on the popular television show ER, Deezer D transformed himself almost overnight from a gang member and alcoholic to a dedicated, clean-living Christian. I will miss you." He posted a series of pictures of Deezer D with his family and friends. Thompson's brother confirmed the news with a post on Instagram, which he captioned as "My Big Brother! God is with you. Fox News reported that he also worked as a fitness trainer in the recent past. According to media reports, Deezer D was known in the underground hip-hop and Christian communities as he formerly hosted a Christian radio show in Los Angeles. Reportedly, Dearon has appeared in more than 200 songs. Deezer D was a part of ER from 1994 to 2009.

The actor underwent heart surgery in 2009 where his aorta was replaced to fix a leaky heart valve. His brother informed that Deezer D died of a heart attack.Īccording to the report, Thompson was found unresponsive at his home in Los Angeles on January 7. According to FOX News, Dearon Thompson’s death was confirmed to TMZ by his brother, Marshawn. The actor is best known for his role in the former medical drama ER. Dearon Thompson, popularly known as Deezer D, passed away on January 7.
