Tributes have poured in for actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd, who has tragically died after being shot at the age of 70.
A spokesperson for the Atlanta Police Department confirmed the news on Sunday, revealing Thomas was pronounced dead after receiving “multiple gunshot wounds to the back” following a shooting at a residence in Atlanta, Georgia.
The actor starred in numerous Spike Lee films, including Clockers, Bamboozled and Chi-Raq – with the director taking to Instagram to pay tribute to the star.
While police are still determining the circumstances of Thomas’ death, Spike labelled the death “a murder”.
He wrote: “I’m So Sad To Announce The Tragic Murder Of Our Beloved Brother Thomas Jefferson Byrd Last Night In Atlanta, Georgia.
“Tom Is My Guy…May We All Wish Condolences And Blessings To His Family. Rest In Peace Brother Byrd.”
Actress Viola Davis also paid tribute to Thomas, taking to Twitter to write: Oh no!!! 2020! Whaaattt!!! Loved working with you Byrd. What a fine actor you were. So sorry your life ended this way. Praying for your family. So very sorry.”
Take a look at some of the tributes to Thomas Jefferson Byrd:
Oh no!!! 2020! Whaaattt!!! Loved working with you Byrd. What a fine actor you were. So sorry your life ended this way. Praying for your family. So very sorry.💔💔💛💛💛https://t.co/R9YxP4gNW4
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) October 4, 2020
Thomas Jefferson Byrd, was an actor in the unofficial repertory company of Spike Lee movies. What Joseph Cotton was to Orson Welles, Byrd was for Spike. The “everyman” character actor. He was a part of the Black Arts Renaissance of Fort Greene in the 80s. pic.twitter.com/oFPMKIKOro
— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) October 4, 2020
long live the art created by thomas jefferson byrd, a captivating character actor in spike lee films and famously, the antagonist who helped set the plot of set it off in motion.
“IF YOU DON’T WANNA WORK FOR LUTHERS!”
a tragedy he was murdered in atlanta. pic.twitter.com/eU1bdzhJON
— Brandon Caldwell (@_brandoc) October 4, 2020
RIP Thomas Jefferson Byrd. One of Spike Lee’s go-to artists. Byrd’s screen characters always made a strong impression. Such singular choices. Like in HE GOT GAME, I remember his pimp character was film literate and had a funny way of saying “familiarity.” Movies live forever. pic.twitter.com/l10IJDlCW3
— Nelson Carvajal (@nelsoncarvajal) October 4, 2020
Thomas Jefferson Byrd, actor and fellow @OfficialOPPF brother known for many roles in Spike Lee films, was fatally shot in Atlanta this weekend. Sending my deepest prayers and condolences to Tom’s family. 🙏🏾 https://t.co/4SBGtrLqJ1
— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) October 5, 2020
RIP Thomas Jefferson Byrd pic.twitter.com/EyWMeZgvIj
— The Tweet Sniper💥 (@IWashington) October 5, 2020
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