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Updated: The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office issued its report today on the death of Anthony Johnson. The document indicates that the Friday and House Party actor died from “chronic ethanol use.” In other words, chronic drinking. The report also reveals that Johnson died in the hospital and had no other significant conditions.

Previously on September 20: Anthony Johnson, the actor and comedian who appeared in the movies Friday and House Party, died Sept. 6 at the age of 55.

His death was confirmed to Deadline by his rep LyNea Bell, owner and president of Bh Talent.

“The world of comedy has truly been shaken, again,” said Bell in a statement. “Our Bh Talent family is heartbroken about the loss of the iconic legend of stage and screen Mr. Anthony ‘Aj’ Johnson. He has left with us amazing memories of his laughter, dynamic acting skills, but most of all his enormous personality and heart of gold.

Comedian Anthony “Aj” Johnson was remembered Monday by the writers of his movie “Friday,” Ice Cube and DJ Pooh.

Shortly after news of Johnson’s death broke, Ice Cube called the late actor a “naturally funny dude who was straight outta Compton at the same time.” He added that he wished he could have brought back Johnson’s “Friday” character, Ezal, for the upcoming sequel film “Last Friday.”

Writer DJ Pooh said in a tweet, “Rest easy Aj,” while also sharing a Gif of Johnson running down the street with stolen merch in his arms, as seen in “Friday.”

Other stars also paid their respects to the late comedian, who, according to his reps, died earlier this month. No cause of death was revealed.

In addition to appearing in “Friday” in 1995, Johnson got his big break with the role of E.Z.E. in 1990’s “House Party.” His other notable...

Anthony “Aj” Johnson, a comedian and actor best known for his parts in “Friday” and “House Party,” has died, representatives for Johnson confirmed to TheWrap Monday. He was 55.

According to Johnson’s reps, the actor — who played addict and thief Ezal in “Friday” and E.Z.E. in “House Party” — died earlier this month. His cause of death has not yet been released.

“Our Bh Talent family is saddened about the loss of an amazing iconic legend in comedy, our client and friend Anthony ‘Aj’ Johnson,” Johnson’s spokespeople said in a statement to TheWrap. “We are praying for all those that were touched by his comedy, acting, but most of all his life. We are especially praying for his beloved Wife, Children, Siblings and Manager. Please give them the time they need to process and grieve such a huge loss.”

Per TMZ, Johnson’s nephew said the actor “was...

In mid-summer, 2019 finally delivered a breakout specialized hit. Lulu Wang’s Sundance breakout “The Farewell” (A24), which is neither a documentary nor a wide release, drew a stellar response from arthouse moviegoers. Produced in America and set in China, this family dramedy marks one of the best platform openings ever for a film outside the year-end awards season. That the movie comes from a little-known director makes its initial response all the more gratifying. The standard arthouse release formula can still work.

Bleecker Street also scored better than average initial results for “The Art of Self Defense” with an eclectic set of initial theaters. A24 is on a roll, as “The Farewell” joins the still-limited “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” (A24) in fighting to keep the specialized narrative brand alive.

Opening

The Farewell (A24) – Metacritic: 89; Festivals include: Sundance, San Francisco 2019

$351,330 in 4 theaters; PTA (per theater average): $87,833

Lulu...

It was a repeat weekend for last week's top two films as Sony's Spider-Man: Far from Home topped the weekend while nearing $850 million globally and Disney and Pixar's Toy Story 4 found itself in the runner-up position while becoming the fifth largest Pixar release domestically ever. As for the weekend's new wide releases, both played mostly to expectations with Paramount's Crawl finishing in third and Disney's release of Fox's Stuber landing in fourth. Sony's Spider-Man: Far from Home delivered a repeat performance atop the weekend box office, bringing in an estimated $45.3 million, signaling a -51% drop as its domestic cume now stands just shy of $275 million. Meanwhile, the film added $100 million overseas this weekend, pushing the global cume just shy of $850 million after 17 days of release. Far from Home's $572.5 million international haul now makes it the highest grossing Spider-Man movie internationally, topping Spider-Man 3's $555 million overseas total.

The African American Film Critics Association (Aafca) is set to honor Carolyn Sloss, vice president of Allied Integrated Marketing, as part of its 8th Annual Synergy Atl Program.

“For more than a decade Carolyn has led the growth trajectory of the film and entertainment community in Atlanta,” Aafca President Gil Robertson said in a statement. “Her commitment to the Arts & Entertainment scene has been impactful to the permanent infrastructure that we see today throughout this region.”

On August 1, the group will recognize Sloss during a gathering at the Auburn Avenue Research Library in Atlanta.

“I am thrilled and proud to be named as the 2019 honoree by Aafca and its Synergy Atl Program,” said Sloss. “In my role at Allied, I’ve strived to forge a path that’s wider and more inclusive in the community. To be recognized for achieving this, even in a small way, is truly a great honor!

Fatboy Sse -- the comedic social media influencer co-starring with Master P in his "I Got the Hook Up" sequel -- hooked up with cops who busted him for marijuana and outstanding warrants. According to cops in Jersey City, Fatboy was pulled over Monday night for a traffic violation. He was in the car with 2 other guys -- his manager and security guard -- and when cops ran his license, they discovered it was suspended.

The 2001 comedy “How High” is a classic of the stoner genre. Starring rappers Method Man and Redman as Silas and Jamal, they play average students who turn Ivy League. After smoking a special strain of marijuana, the two ace their college entrance exams and wind up at Harvard. Taking the college life in stride, when their supply of supernatural grade marijuana runs dry, the true hijinks begin.

Eighteen years — or a full generation — later, the franchise is being revived by Universal 1440 Entertainment, which naturally chose April 20 for its premiere on MTV. The hip-hop centric plot centers around best buds Roger, played by Lil Yachty, and Calvin, played by D.C. Young Fly, Atlanta “potrepreneurs” who go on “a magical weed-filled journey to fund their on-demand munchies delivery start-up.”

The movie features cameos by notable local personalities including rappers Lil Baby and Blac Youngsta, “Real Housewives of Atlanta” cast members NeNe Leakes...

Joseph Baxter Kirsten Howard Aug 30, 2019

Paramount is moving ahead with sequel Coming 2 America, with Eddie Murphy returning to star as Akeem.

Good morning, my neighbors! Coming to America 2 is actually a thing that's really happening!

Craig Brewer is set as director, as first reported by Deadline. The sequel, which we now know will be titled Coming 2 America, continues the story of Akeem, an African prince who blew off his arranged marriage to seek true love in Queens. Brewer has just finished directing a movie with star Eddie Murphy, called Dolemite Is My Name, and the pair are very keen to work together again on this long-in-gestation follow-up flick.

Kenya Barris, the creator of Black-ish, rewrote a screenplay by original movie writers Barry Blaustein and David Sheffield. We previously heard the movie was about Murphy’s Akeem being a king who must take his son to America to sow his wild oats,...