Juliet Uduji
Thomas Jefferson Byrd, a stage and film actor who was widely recognised for his performances in films directed by Spike Lee, was found shot dead on an Atlanta street in the American State of Georgia.
The New York Times reported that Police had responded to an emergency call in the early hours of Saturday morning about “an injured person”. Authorities arrived and found Mr Byrd to be unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds to his back. It was announced that leads for the suspect are being investigated and that Byrd died as a result of the gunshots.
Many industry colleagues expressed their sorrows on hearing the news on social media.
Mr Byrd received an outpouring from fans of his work, as well as from people who had worked alongside him. Notably, Viola Davis shared her mourning on social media, writing: @violadavis:
“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.” Byrd starred in three of Spike Lee’s films, leading the director to post multiple pictures and memories on Instagram that celebrated the late star’s talent and personality. Lee ended the series of photos with, “May Brother Byrd Be Flying Through Those Heavenly Pearly Gates.”