Actor and longtime comedian Mike Epps is mourning the loss of yet another family member. On Thursday, Feb. 11, the “Next Friday” star took to his Instagram page, where he revealed the news that his father, Tommie Epps Sr., had passed away.
Epps posted a snap of himself with his dad posing with their arms on each other’s shoulders. “Big RIP to my DaD TOMMIE L EPPS SR. Thank you for life and all the great memories and lessons he was a Hard worker Good father and God believers fly High king 👑,” he wrote about his dad in the caption. He added, “Kiss mama for me 🕊🕊🕊🕊.”
The post received over 375,300 likes from fans and peers who sent their prayers and condolences to the actor. Fellow comedian and “The Upshaws” co-star Wanda Sykes wrote, “Sending you some love.” She added, “Praying for you.❤️.”
Singer Anthony Hamilton commented, “Blessings brother to you and your family.”
“Bro… I’m so sorry,” actor Marlon Wayans wrote. He added, “They watching over you now. 😇 praying for you brother.”
Epps did not reveal the cause of his father’s death. News of Epps’ passing comes just six weeks after his son lost his mother, Mary Reed, just days before last Christmas. The “Hangover” actor shared a photo of himself and his mother on his social media accounts at the time.
“Rest in paradise mama thank you for all the lessons and life it’s self you fought hard baby because of you I will never stop fighting in this thing called life,” Epps wrote at the time in a lengthy caption. “She loved her kids and family and we had good times with her this is not a good bye it’s a We will see you later 🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊😪 ❤️❤️❤️❤️ #MARYJERICE ❤️#HOMECOMMING #LETSREJOYCE #GODISGREAT.”
In his 2018 autobiography “Unsuccessful Thug,” Epps spoke candidly about parents and growing up in Indianapolis, Indiana. The actor discussed at length his troubled childhood, which was riddled with highs and lows, including many family gatherings and multiple evictions as his single mother worked tirelessly to provide for him and his siblings.
