Deezer D death: ER cast share tributes after actor dies aged 55

Actor portrayed nurse Malik McGrath throughout the show’s 15 seasons

(Getty Images)

The cast of ER have shared tributes to actor Deezer D after his death at the age of 55.

Deezer D, whose real name was Dearon Thompson, portrayed nurse Malik McGrath throughout the medical drama’s 15 seasons. His brother told TMZ that the actor’s family believes he died of a heart attack. An official cause of death has yet to be announced.

In addition to his acting career, Deezer D was a rapper, having released three albums. The most recent, Delayed, But Not Denied, came out in 2008. It was preceded by Unpredictable in 2002 and Living Up in a Down World in 1999. He had plans to release more music in 2021. A new song, “History Cant Be Stopped”, was released on Friday (8 January).

Deezer D appeared on 190 of ER’s 331 episodes. His first appearance was in the pilot; his last one came in the finale. While he was featured with less frequency in later seasons, his character Malik was a permanent presence on the show, often offering comic relief.

Noah Wyle, who played Dr John Carter on the drama, shared a photo of Deezer D on his Instagram account on Friday, writing: “I lost a dear friend yesterday. Deezer D, known to millions of ER fans as nurse Malik McGrath, died yesterday morning. He was one of the most creative and charismatic men I’ve ever known and his gospel of positivity pulled us both up from many a dark place. I will miss him terribly. Please say a prayer for him and hold a loving thought for his family today.”

Mekhi Phifer, who portrayed Dr Greg Pratt, paid tribute to his former cast mate after an ER fan account related the news of his death on Instagram. “What a special spirit we have all lost!” Phifer wrote. “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! Many condolences to his friends, fans and family. RIP Deezer D!!”

Parminder Nagra, who played Dr Neela Rasgotra, commented on the same Instagram post: “This is so incredibly sad.”

Lyn Alicia Henderson, who portrayed paramedic Pamela Olbes on the show, said she was “so sorry to hear of his passing”. “He had a spirit that was bigger than life and we always had the best conversations!” Henderson added. “I loved his music, his love of God and his love for his family. He will be missed!”