The actor, whose real name was Dearon Thompson, appeared in 190 episodes throughout ER's entire 15-season run as nurse Malik McGrath. TMZ reports that Deezer D's family believes he died of a heart attack after he was found unresponsive Thursday morning. In addition to being an actor, he was a performer in the Christian and underground hip-hop communities. ER alums Mekhi Phifer and Parminder Nagra paid tribute to Deezer D. "What a special spirit we have all lost!” Phifer wrote on Instagram. “Since the first day I met him on the set of ER he absolutely made me feel at home and welcomed. My brother will forever be missed!" Added Nagra: "This is so incredibly sad."
TOPICS: E.R., Deezer D, Mekhi Phifer, Parminder Nagra, Obits, Retro TV