Keith Jefferson, best known for his role in Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained,” has died. He was 53.
“I am deeply saddened by Keith’s death. He was a tremendous talent and it is a great loss to the artistic community,” Jefferson’s rep confirmed to Fox News Digital.
“He had several projects in the pipeline and was in the middle of a project that captured his unique and resonant voice. He had been looking forward to coming back in the new year. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and close friends.”
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Jamie Foxx took to social media to share an emotional message with his dear friend after learning of Keith Jefferson’s death. (Jamie Foxx/Instagram)
Jefferson also appeared in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood alongside Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio. He also worked with Tarantino in The Hateful Eight.
Jamie Foxx took to social media to share an emotional message with his dear friend after learning of Jefferson’s death.
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“Everything hurts at the moment, it’s hard for me to look through these pictures and relive the memories of how we had a great time. We’re gonna miss you man, we’re gonna miss you…” Foxx, 55, posted on Instagram.
“[ever] You have been an incredible soul since we met in college. God rest, I never thought I would have to see the words about my friend RIP.
Foxx accompanied his post with a photo of him and Jefferson posing with a handshake at an airport.
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Jamie Foxx shared photos of Keith Jefferson on his Instagram Story, including his dear friend smiling at the camera as he took a photo with Quentin Tarantino (left) and rapper Snoop Dogg. (Jamie Foxx/Instagram)
The “Ray” star’s daughter, Corrinne, responded to the post with red heart emojis.
Foxx continued to share photos of Jefferson on his Instagram Story, including pictures of his dear friend smiling for the camera while posing with Tarantino and rapper Snoop Dogg.
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Ahead of his death, Jefferson posted a black-and-white photo of himself in a hospital bed.
“Every now and then God presents you with a challenge and leaves it up to you to solve the problem. When I was first diagnosed with cancer, I had to stop, pause and didn’t want to share anything with anyone,” he said in part.
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Keith Jefferson worked alongside Jamie Foxx, Samuel L. Jackson and other stars in Quentin Tarantino’s films. (Getty Images)
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Jefferson was born in Houston and his parents were Lovie Jefferson and the late Reverend Edward Jefferson.
According to iMDB, Jefferson was not only a talented actor, but also an exceptional athlete, having played football, track and basketball as a youth at Eisenhower High School.
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Jefferson received a BFA in Musical Theater from US International University/Performing Arts in San Diego and an MFA in Acting from the University of Arizona in Tucson.
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Keith Jefferson had a close friendship with Jamie Foxx for several years. (Amy Sussman)
He portrayed the character Charly in Tarantino’s “The Hateful Eight” alongside Samuel L. Jackson and Kurt Russell.
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Jefferson played gang member “Pudgy Ralph” in the Oscar-winning film “Django Unchained.”
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According to the media outlet, in addition to being an actor and singer, Jefferson offered workshops for aspiring entertainers and worked as a voice actor and director.
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Jefferson was a proud member of Actors’ Equity and the Screen Actors Guild of America.