Christopher “Big Black” Boykin, who costarred on MTV’s “Rob & Big,” died on Tuesday. He was 45.
The entertainer and musician’s management confirmed the news to The Wrap. A cause of death has not been reported.
Boykin was known for appearing with skateboarder Rob Dyrdek on the MTV unscripted series that launched in November 2006 and aired for three seasons. He was Dyrdek’s bodyguard and lived with him, and the show focused on the pair’s outlandish antics and unlikely friendship.
Boykin later appeared with Dyrdek on “Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory” and on several episodes of “Ridiculousness.”
Chanel West Coast, who also appeared on “Fantasy Factory” and “Ridiculousness,” took to Twitter on Tuesday to share her grief.
“RIP @BigBlack. My heart is crushed. I’ll remember all the times you made me laugh and my prayers go out to your family,” she wrote.
RIP @BigBlack. My heart is crushed. I'll remember all the times you made me laugh and my prayers go out to your family ❤️???
— Chanel (@chanelwestcoast) May 10, 2017
Before embarking on his reality TV career, the six-foot-six gentle giant served in the U.S. Navy.
Boykin is survived by his nine-year-old daughter, Isis.