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Who was in the 1995 film Friday?
Directed by F. Gary Gray and written by Ice Cube and DJ Pooh, Friday is a 97-minute, R-rated comedy. Its story centers on Craig and his friend Smokey. The American Film Institute lists Ice Cube, Chris Tucker, Nia Long, Tom “Tiny” Lister Jr. and John Witherspoon among the cast; AMC’s cast listing also includes Regina King, Anna Maria Horsford, Bernie Mac, Faizon Love and Paula Jai Parker.
The roles below are identified in the film’s official page or cast listings. Later-career notes are limited to milestones documented in the available sources; they are not a live roster of current projects.
Where are the main Friday cast members now?
Ice Cube as Craig Jones
Ice Cube played Craig and co-wrote Friday with DJ Pooh. The film’s official page identifies Craig as the story’s central character. The sources available here establish his role and writing credit but do not provide a complete account of his current projects.
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Chris Tucker as Smokey
Chris Tucker played Smokey, Craig’s friend and the other central figure in the film’s story. The cited sources confirm the role, but they do not establish a current project list for Tucker.
Nia Long as Debbie
Nia Long played Debbie. The American Film Institute credits Long, and Ice Cube’s official film page names Debbie among the characters. The sources cited here do not establish a current update on Long’s work.
Tom “Tiny” Lister Jr. as Deebo
Tom “Tiny” Lister Jr. played Deebo, one of the film’s most recognizable characters. The AFI record credits Tiny Lister Jr.; Ice Cube’s film page uses the name Tom “Tiny” Lister. The sources used here confirm his role but do not provide a documented later-career update.
John Witherspoon as Mr. Jones
John Witherspoon played Craig’s father, Mr. Jones, also identified as Willie Jones. The Television Academy records that Witherspoon died on October 29, 2019, at age 77. Its biography describes a stand-up career that began in the 1960s and notes his television work, including The Wayans Bros., as well as his appearances as Willie Jones in Friday and its sequels.
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Faizon Love as Big Worm
Faizon Love played Big Worm, as identified on Ice Cube’s official film page. AMC also lists Love in the cast. These sources establish his Friday role, but not a current project update.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where are the supporting cast members now?
Regina King as Dana Jones
Regina King is listed in the cast by both AMC and the AFI record. The film identifies her character as Dana Jones. Those cast records establish her part in Friday, but they are not evidence of her current activity.
Anna Maria Horsford as Mrs. Jones
AMC lists Anna Maria Horsford as a cast member, and she is identified with the role of Mrs. Jones. The available sources do not establish a current update on her work.
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Bernie Mac as Pastor Clever
AMC’s cast list includes Bernie Mac, who played Pastor Clever. The cited cast source confirms the role; it is not a current career record.
Paula Jai Parker as Joi
Paula Jai Parker is listed by AMC as a cast member and is identified with the role of Joi. The cited material confirms her appearance in Friday but does not establish a current project update.
Why does Friday still draw attention?
The film’s 30th anniversary was marked by a screening in IFC Center’s August 2025 series. That event has passed, but it shows that Friday remained part of a recent repertory program. It does not, by itself, establish anything about the current schedules of the cast.
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