Whatever Happened To The Friday After Next Cast
Remember Friday After Next? That hilarious gem from 2002? We're talking about the one where Ice Cube and Mike Epps get robbed by Santa Claus. Yes, a Santa Claus. It's pure gold, if you ask me. And let's be honest, sometimes these sequels, while fun, don't exactly catapult everyone into superstardom. So, what ever happened to the crew that brought us that unforgettable Christmas Eve?
First off, the man, the myth, the legend: Ice Cube. He was already a huge deal before this movie, and he's certainly kept busy since. He's been acting, producing, rapping, and generally being a boss. We've seen him in XXX: State of the Union, the Ride Along movies, and of course, reprising his role as Detective James Payton. He's like that one uncle who's always got something going on. You can’t really picture him not being busy.
Sometimes I wonder if Santa Claus is still out there, lurking in the shadows, looking for another payday from those apartment rent checks.
Then there's the incomparable Mike Epps as Day-Day. Oh, Day-Day. His antics in Friday After Next are legendary. He’s got that perfect blend of goofy and street smarts. After this film, Epps has continued to slay in the comedy world. He’s had his own specials, acted in movies like The Hangover and Girls Trip, and lent his voice to animated projects. He’s the kind of comedian you can always count on for a good laugh, no matter what he’s doing. He still pops up in roles where you think, "Hey, it's Day-Day!" and you instantly smile.
What about John Witherspoon as Uncle Elroy? Bless his soul. He was the king of the dad joke and the exasperated sigh. His presence in the Friday franchise was always a highlight. Sadly, we lost the comedic genius John Witherspoon in 2019. He left behind a massive legacy of laughter, from his stand-up to his countless film and TV appearances. We’ll always remember his perfect comedic timing and his unforgettable catchphrases. He truly was one of a kind. Every time I see a classic comedy, I think of him and wish he was still around to see it.
Let's not forget Don "D.C." Curry as Uncle Julius. He brought a certain gravitas, and a lot of hilarious one-liners, to the role. After Friday After Next, Curry has continued to act, appearing in various TV shows and films. He’s a veteran actor who brings a solid performance every time. He might not be in the biggest blockbusters, but he’s a familiar face who’s always a welcome addition to any project. He’s like that reliable friend who might not be the loudest, but you know they’ve got your back, and can still deliver a punchline.
And then there’s Katt Williams as Money Mike. His character’s elaborate backstory and dramatic flair were pure comedic genius. Katt Williams has had a rollercoaster career since Friday After Next. He’s known for his wild stage presence, his hilarious stand-up specials, and his often controversial remarks. He’s been in and out of the spotlight, but when he’s on his game, he’s undeniably brilliant. You can always count on Katt to be… well, Katt. He brings a unique energy to everything he does. He’s the one you can never quite predict, and that’s part of the fun.
Remember Tamala Jones as D'Wana? She played the feisty girlfriend. Tamala Jones has had a steady acting career since the Friday days. She’s appeared in a number of TV shows, most notably as a main cast member on Castle for many seasons. She’s got that natural talent that allows her to inhabit different characters with ease. She’s the kind of actress who’s been quietly making great work for years. You might not always remember her name, but you definitely remember her performances.
And what about the actual bad guys? The robber Santas, played by Clifton Powell and Tommy "Tiny" Lister Jr.. Clifton Powell has had a prolific career, appearing in a huge range of films and TV shows, often playing tough guys or authority figures. He's a recognizable face who always delivers a strong performance. Tommy "Tiny" Lister Jr., unfortunately, passed away in 2020. He was a larger-than-life personality both on and off screen, known for his roles in Friday and The Fifth Element. He was a memorable presence.
Looking back, Friday After Next might not have launched everyone into superstardom, but it gave us some truly memorable characters and moments. The cast, in their own ways, have all continued to entertain us. Some have reached massive fame, while others have quietly carved out steady careers. And honestly, that’s just how it goes, right? Not everyone needs to be a household name. We’re just glad they all got together to give us that delightfully absurd Christmas movie.
