Born: June 24, 1958 – Died: December 10, 2020
Tommy "Tiny" Lister Jr., a towering figure in Hollywood, was born on June 24, 1958, in Compton, California. His journey from a basketball player to one of the most recognizable faces in the film industry is a testament to his versatility and dedication. His parents, whose details are lesser-known, provided a stable background that helped shape his early life. Lister's significant contributions to the entertainment industry are marked by his unique physical presence and his ability to bring depth to every character he portrayed.
Early Life and Career
Lister's early life in Compton was far from the clichés of gang violence and turmoil. He chose a path of religion and self-improvement over the street life, finding solace in watching westerns and dreaming of a life in film and television. His educational journey took him from Palomar Junior College to Long Beach City College, culminating in an outstanding achievement as the 1982 NCAA Division II Shot Put Champion at California State University, Los Angeles.
His acting career began with his feature film debut in "Runaway Train" (1985), where he played a prison guard. This role marked the start of a prolific career that saw him appear in approximately 132 films. Lister's first major success came with the role of Deebo in "Friday" (1995), which not only showcased his talent but also cemented his place in Hollywood. This role, combined with his appearances in high-profile films like The Fifth Element (1997) and The Dark Knight (2008), solidified his status as a star.
Lister's career was adorned with a variety of roles, but it was his portrayal of President Lindberg in The Fifth Element and his memorable character in The Dark Knight that earned him critical acclaim and fan admiration. Despite not being a mainstream A-lister, his contributions were significant, earning him a unique place in the industry.
Off-screen, Lister was a family man, married to Felicia Forbes, with whom he had a child, Thomas Duane Lister III. He was deeply involved in ministry and public speaking, focusing on helping troubled youth and sharing his experiences to inspire others.
Tommy "Tiny" Lister Jr.'s impact on Hollywood goes beyond his filmography. He was a man who broke the stereotypes often associated with his imposing figure, bringing warmth, depth, and versatility to his roles. His journey from Compton to Hollywood, his transition from athlete to actor, and his dedication to his community and family life make him an icon in the truest sense. His legacy is not just in the roles he played, but in the hearts he touched and the lives he inspired.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | The Haunting of Hell Hole Mine | Martin |
| 2023 | The Allnighter | Preston (as Tiny Lister) |
| 2022 | Renegades | Apollo (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2021 | Money Is King (Video) | Detective Willams (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2021 | Welcome to Our World | Reggie The Mail Man |
| 2021 | DOMINO: Battle of the Bones | Twelvespeed (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2020 | She's the One | Carjacker |
| 2019 | I Got the Hook Up 2 | T-Lay (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2019 | Slasher Party | Smiley Face (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2018 | Fury of the Fist and the Golden Fleece | Superfly (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2017 | Busy Day (Short) | Johnny Burns (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2017 | Boone: The Bounty Hunter | Man in TV Show (uncredited) |
| 2016 | Unknown | Unknown |
| 2017 | Rondo (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) | Unknown |
| 2016 | Hauntsville | Kaine (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2016 | Of Sentimental Value | Tee (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2016 | Beyond the Game | Tommy (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2016 | Hickey | Henry (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2016 | Zootopia | Finnick (voice, as Tiny Lister) |
| 2016 | Woman Scorned (Short) | Brandon (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2015 | Da Jammies (TV Series) | Big Horace (voice, as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2015 | No Weapon Formed Against Us | Jackson Hines (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2015 | If I Tell You I Have to Kill You | Gabriel (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2015 | Death's Door | Jomo (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2015 | Mr. Hollywood (TV Series) | Knuckles (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2015 | On the Court (TV Series) | King Cain (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2015 | Mann and Wife (TV Series) | Lieutenant Marshall (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2015 | Tamales and Gumbo | Uncle Mark (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2015 | The Human Centipede III (Final Sequence) | Inmate 178 (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2015 | Diamond Cartel | Louie (as Tommy Lister) |
| 2015 | The Amazing Wizard of Paws (Video) | Diner Manager (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2015 | American Justice | Justice (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2015 | Comedy Bang! Bang! (TV Series) | Major Aikens (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2014 | Vultures in the Void (Short) | Space Clown (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2014 | Johnny Dynamo (TV Series) | Mo Lotto (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2014 | Taylor'd Problems (TV Series) | Big T (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2014 | The Boondocks (TV Series) | Filbert Slowlove (voice, as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2014 | Engage the Vision (Short) | Deebo (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2014 | The Accidental President (TV Series) | Speaker Jernigan (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2013 | The Rev (TV Series) | Tiny Starr (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2013 | Akon: So Blue (Music Video) | Tom Lister Jr. (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2013 | NTSF:SD:SUV (TV Series) | Dallas (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2013 | Hollywont | (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2010–2013 | Fish Hooks (TV Series) | Mr. Mussels (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2013 | White T | Mad Rapper (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2012 | Silent No More | Blake (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2012 | Heaven's Door | Ben Wilson (as Tommy Duane Lister) |
| 2012 | Chamillionaire Feat. D.A.: Show Love (Music Video) | Police Officer |
| 2012 | K-11 | Detroit (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2012 | Highway | Wilbert (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2012 | Tiny Is My Girl (TV Mini Series) | Sophie (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2012 | Key and Peele (TV Series) | Driver (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2012 | Beyond the Trophy | Billy Thomas (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2012 | FCU: Fact Checkers Unit (TV Series) | Tiny (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2012 | 72 Hours with Empire (Short) | Deebo (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2012 | We the Party | No Shame (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2012 | Noah | Roaring Giant (voice, as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2011 | The Preacher's Family | Jackson Hines (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2011 | Cornered | Cpt. Williams (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2011 | The Trap Door (Video) | Jomo (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2011 | Hopelessly in June | Pastor G (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2011 | The Sixth (Short) | Priest (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2011 | Regular Show (TV Series) | Bobby (voice) |
| 2010 | Food Stamps | Reggie The Mail Man (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2010 | Perfect Sunday | Crazy Loc (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2010 | The Lazarus Papers | Tiny Delaney (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2010 | First Dog | Big Mike (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2010 | Laugh Track Mash-ups (TV Series) | Mr. Oppenheimer (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2009 | Nite Tales: The Series (TV Series) | Wrestler (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2009 | Hard Times | SixPac Jordan (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2008 | Miss B's Hair Salon | Mr. Biggs (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2008 | Chocolate News (TV Series) | Otis 'Lighting' Jones (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2008 | The Rimshop | Duncan (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2008 | Unemployed | Big Dane (as Tiny Lister) |
| 2008 | Block Party Madness (Video) | Slim (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2008 | Monster Ark (TV Movie) | Sgt. Gentry (as Tommy Lister Jr.) |
| 2008 | *The Dark Knight* | Tattooed Prisoner (as Tommy Tiny Lister) |
| 2008 | Under One Roof (TV Series) | Punkin (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2008 | Terra Nova | Sewing Dude (as Tommi Tiny Lister) |
| 2008 | The Hustle | Dog Thief (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2008 | Super Capers: The Origins of Ed and the Missing Bullion | Sarge (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2007 | Lady Samurai | Big Luther (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2007 | Bone Dry | Mitch (as Tiny Lister) |
| 2007 | The Grand | German's Bodyguard (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2007 | The Pink Conspiracy | The Duke (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2007 | Saul of the Mole Men (TV Series) | John Henry Irons (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2007 | Ascension Day (Video) | Will (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2007 | Vegas Vampires | Andrew Johnson (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2007 | Da Block Party 2 (Video) | CJ's Father (as Tiny Lister) |
| 2006 | Chamillionaire feat. Krayzie Bone: Ridin' (Music Video) | Tiny (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2006 | Who Made the Potatoe Salad? | Monster (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2006 | Scarface: The World Is Yours (Video Game) | Rocky T. - Babylon Club Doorman (voice, as Tiny Lister) |
| 2006 | One Night with the King | Hegai, the Royal Eunuch (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2006 | Forbidden Fruits (Video) | Jade (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2005 | The Rev (TV Movie) | Tiny (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2005 | All of Us (TV Series) | Bandito (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2005 | 50 Cent: Bulletproof (Video Game) | Big Rig | Gangbanger (voice, as Tiny Lister) |
| 2005 | Santa's Slay | Gas Attendant (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2005 | County General | Big Murder (as Tiny 'Zeus' Lister) |
| 2004 | Choices 2 (Video) | (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2004 | Full Clip | Bumaye (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2004 | Blast | Smiley (as Tiny Lister) |
| 2004 | Hair Show | Agent Little (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2004 | El padrino | T-Bone (as 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2004 | Slammed | Bubba (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2004 | Dracula 3000 | Humvee (as Tiny Lister) |
| 2004 | A Night in Compton | Rainmaker (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2004 | Knocked the "F" Out | (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2004 | Never Die Alone | Rockie (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2004 | My Baby's Daddy | Drive By (as Tiny Lister) |
| 2003 | Hellborn | Smithy (as Tom 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2003 | Love Chronicles | Alfonso (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2003 | 50 Cent: Many Men (Wish Death) (Music Video) | 50's Associates (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2003 | Keepin' It Real | A-Train Tranton (as 'Tiny' Lister Jr.) |
| 2003 | Confidence | Harlin (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2002 | Austin Powers in Goldmember | Prisoner #2 (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2001 | The Wash | Bear (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister Jr.) |
| 2001 | Soulkeeper | Chad (as Tommy Tiny Lister Jr.) |
| 2001 | Star Trek: Enterprise (TV Series) | Klaang (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister Jr.) |
| 2001 | Out Kold | Sweet (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2001 | Nash Bridges (TV Series) | Mr. Switch (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 2001 | Vegas, City of Dreams | Llord's Security Chief (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister Jr.) |
| 2001 | The Duo | Tiny Lister, Jr. (as Tommy Lister) |
| 2000 | The Cheapest Movie Ever Made | (as Tiny 'Zeus' Lister) |
| 2000 | Little Nicky | Cassius (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister Jr.) |
| 2000 | Circus | Moose (as Tiny Lister) |
| 2000 | Next Friday | Deebo (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister Jr.) |
| 1999 | Shark in a Bottle | The Recruiter (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 1999 | Stealth Fighter | Berg (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister Jr.) |
| 1999 | Judgment Day (Video) | Brother Clarence (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 1999 | Supreme Sanction (TV Movie) | Lester (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister Jr.) |
| 1999 | Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies (Video) | Tillaver (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister Jr.) |
| 1998 | I Got the Hook Up | T-Lay (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister. Jr.) |
| 1998 | Damon (TV Series) | Alfonse (as Tom 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 1998 | Butter | House (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 1998 | The Players Club | XL (as Tiny Lister) |
| 1997 | A Time to Revenge | Corporal Hollis (as Tiny 'Zeus' Lister) |
| 1997 | Jackie Brown | Winston (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister Jr.) |
| 1997 | Hoover Park | (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 1997 | Gang Related | Cutlass Supreme (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 1997 | USA High (TV Series) | Tony (as Tiny Lister Jr.) |
| 1997 | Below Utopia | Tiny (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 1997 | *The Fifth Element* | President Lindberg (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister Jr.) |
| 1997 | L.A. Heat (TV Series) | A.K. (as Tiny Lister Jr.) |
| 1997 | Sparks (TV Series) | Larry (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 1997 | The Good Bad Guy | Mobster #2 (as Tiny Lister) |
| 1997 | The Jamie Foxx Show (TV Series) | Adam - Groom (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister Jr.) |
| 1997 | Malcolm & Eddie (TV Series) | Zeus (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister Jr.) |
| 1997 | In the House (TV Series) | Mono (as Tiny Lister) |
| 1996 | Sublime: Santeria (Music Video) | Sancho (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 1996 | Moesha (TV Series) | Security Guard #2 (as 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 1996 | Street Corner Justice | Angel Aikens (as 'Tiny' Lister Jr.) |
| 1996 | White Cargo | Zeno (as Tiny 'Zeus' Lister) |
| 1996 | Phat Beach | Tiny (as Tiny 'Zeus' Lister Jr.) |
| 1996 | Barb Wire | Bouncer (as Tiny 'Zeus' Lister) |
| 1996 | A Thin Line Between Love and Hate | Tyrone (as Tiny Lister) |
| 1996 | WCW Monday Nitro (TV Series) | Z-Gangsta - The Dungeon of Doom |
| 1996 | NYPD Blue (TV Series) | Bob (uncredited) |
| 1995 | The Kangaroo | Sadran (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 1995 | Martin (TV Series) | Apollo (as Tiny Lister) |
| 1995 | The Set Up (TV Movie) | Leon (as Tiny 'Zeus' Lister) |
| 1995 | Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead | House (as Tiny Lister Jr.) |
| 1995 | The Parent 'Hood (TV Series) | Leroy Moland (as Tiny 'Zeus' Lister) |
| 1995 | Step by Step (TV Series) | Security Guard (as 'Tiny' Lister Jr.) |
| 1995 | Friday | Deebo (as Tiny 'Zeus' Lister Jr.) |
| 1995 | Hologram Man (Video) | Eightball (as Tiny 'Zeus' Lister Jr.) |
| 1995 | ER (TV Series) | Patient (as "Tiny" Lister Jr.) |
| 1994 | The History of SummerSlam (Video) | Zeus (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 1994 | Don Juan DeMarco | Rocco Compton (as 'Tiny' Lister Jr.) |
| 1994 | Men of War | Blades (as Tiny 'Zeus' Lister) |
| 1994 | Immortal Combat | Yanagi (as Tiny Lister) |
| 1993 | In the Heat of the Night (TV Series) | Tommy 'T.K.' Kendricks (as Tiny Lister) |
| 1993 | Walker, Texas Ranger (TV Series) | Hicks (as 'Tiny' Lister Jr.) |
| 1993 | Renegade (TV Series) | Marvin Montgomery (as Tiny Lister) |
| 1993 | The Meteor Man | Digit (as Tiny Lister) |
| 1993 | Posse | Obobo (as Tiny Lister) |
| 1992 | WWF Wrestling's Greatest Steel Cage Matches Ever! (Video) | Zeus (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 1992 | Trespass | Cletus (as Tiny Lister) |
| 1992 | The Immortal Hulk Hogan (Video) | Zeus (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 1992 | The Boys (TV Movie) | Bodybuilder (uncredited) |
| 1992 | Universal Soldier | GR55 (as 'Tiny' Lister Jr.) |
| 1992 | Michael Jackson: Remember the Time (Music Video) | Sentry |
| 1991 | Talkin' Dirty After Dark | Bigg (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 1991 | Driving Me Crazy | Cubey (as Tiny Lister Jr.) |
| 1991 | The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (TV Series) | Tiny (as 'Tiny' Lister Jr.) |
| 1991 | 9 1/2 Ninjas! | Cutter (as Tiny Lister) |
| 1990 | Hulkamania Forever (Video) | Zeus (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 1990 | WWF Supertape Vol. 1 (Video) | Zeus (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 1990 | Secret Agent OO Soul | (as Tiny Lister) |
| 1989 | More Saturday Night's Main Event (Video) | Zeus (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 1989 | Chameleons (TV Movie) | Luther (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 1989 | WWF Superstars (TV Series) | Zeus (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 1986–1989 | Matlock (TV Series) | Tiny | Johnny Mack |
| 1989 | Think Big | 'Z' (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 1989 | Saturday Night's Main Event (TV Series) | Zeus (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 1989 | WWF Challenge (TV Series) | Zeus |
| 1989 | Homer and Eddie | Man in Bar with Gun (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 1989 | CBS Summer Playhouse (TV Series) | (as Tom 'Tiny' Lester Jr.) |
| 1989 | No Holds Barred | Zeus (as Tom 'Tiny' Lister Jr.) |
| 1989 | Hard Time on Planet Earth (TV Series) | John Henry (as 'Tiny' Lister Jr.) |
| 1988 | Midnight | Security Guard (as Tom 'Tiny' Lister Jr.) |
| 1988 | The Night Before | Bartender (as Tom 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 1984–1987 | 1st & Ten (TV Series) | Otis |
| 1987 | Glory Years (TV Movie) | (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 1987 | Prison | Tiny (as Tom 'Tiny' Lister Jr.) |
| 1987 | Beverly Hills Cop II | Orvis (as Tom 'Tiny' Lister Jr.) |
| 1987 | Extreme Prejudice | Monday (as Tom 'Tiny' Lister Jr.) |
| 1987 | Perfect Strangers (TV Series) | Leroy (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 1987 | Warm Hearts, Cold Feet (TV Movie) | Mack 'Truck' Jones (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 1986 | Wired to Kill | Sleet (as Tommy Lister Jr. 'Tiny') |
| 1986 | Armed and Dangerous | Bruno (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 1986 | Blue City | Tiny (as Tommy Lister Jr.) |
| 1986 | 8 Million Ways to Die | Nose Guard (as Tom "Tiny" Lister Jr.) |
| 1985 | Runaway Train | Black Guard (as Tom 'Tiny' Lister) |
| 1984 | Webster (TV Series) | Football Player (as Tiny Tom Lister Jr.) |