‘Fletch’ and ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ Actor Larry ‘Flash’ Jenkins Dies at 63

‘Fletch’ and ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ Actor Larry ‘Flash’ Jenkins Dies at 63
"Boyz N the Hood" actor Jessie Lawrence Ferguson was found dead in his home, according to reports.
Tom Ozimek
4/28/2019
Updated:
4/28/2019

Actor-producer-director Larry “Flash” Jenkins, best known for his roles in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Fletch, has died at age 63.

Jenkins’s representative conveyed the news to Entertainment Weekly in a written statement, saying, “he was such a talented actor, producer, and director.”
The Hollywood Reporter wrote that Jenkins died on Thursday, April 25, of a heart attack.

It was not immediately clear whether Jenkins had a history of heart problems.

Actor Shavar Ross posted a tribute to Jenkins.

One of Jenkins’ most memorable roles included a parking garage attendant who went joyriding in a Ferrari in the coming-of-age classic “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”

He also starred in such shows as “M*A*S*H,” “Lou Grant,” “Bay City Blues,” and “Finder of Lost Loves.”

After a long career in front of the camera, Jenkins transitioned to directing and producing. Two recent films that he wrote, directed, produced, and starred in are The Gospel Truth and Anna Lucasta, according to People.
Jenkins is survived by one son, Jeffrey.

‘Boyz N the Hood’ Actor Dies

In other entertainment news, actor Jessie Lawrence Ferguson, whose film credits include a memorable role as a dirty cop in the 1991 blockbuster “Boyz N the Hood,” has died at age 77.
Ferguson died unexpectedly at his home in Palmdale, California, on Friday, April 26, TMZ reported.

His son told the publication he discovered his father in bed with the TV on, adding that he had been healthy in the days leading up to his death.

No cause of death has been revealed, but police are not treating the death as suspicious.

‘I Could Blow Your Head Off Right Now’

Ferguson’s other film credits include “The Chosen One” (1995), “Darkman” (1990), “Prince of Darkness” (1987),  and “The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai” (1984), according to IMDb.

He had an extremely deep voice, a trademark of his made iconic in his role as a corrupt policeman in “Boyz N the Hood.”

Ferguson was born on June 8, 1941, in The Bronx, New York, according to his bio on IMDb.

News of his death comes days after “Boyz n the Hood” director John Singleton was rushed to hospital after suffering a stroke.

‘Boyz N the Hood’ Director in Coma

Singleton remains in a coma in intensive care in L.A. after suffering the stroke on Wednesday, April 17, while at the medical facility, according to a statement by the family, cited by the Guardian.

His family has asked for privacy and expressed thanks for messages of support.

John Singleton attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, Calif., on March 4, 2018. (Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)
John Singleton attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, Calif., on March 4, 2018. (Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)

“On Wednesday, April 17th, our beloved son/father, John Singleton, suffered a stroke while at the hospital. John is currently in the ICU and under great medical care. We ask that privacy be given to him and our family at this time and appreciate all of the prayers that have been pouring in from his fans, friends, and colleagues.”

“Boyz N the Hood” was called by film critic Roger Ebert “one of the best American films of recent years” and “a human drama of rare power—Academy Award material.”

Singleton received two Oscar nominations—best director and best original screenplay—for “Boyz N the Hood.”