‘Clockers’ and ‘Chi-Raq’ Actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd Killed in Shooting

Thomas Jefferson Byrd in Clockers. (Credit: IMDb)

Thomas Jefferson Byrd, a Georgia native who had a lengthy acting career and frequently appeared in Spike Lee Joints, was killed Saturday in a shooting in Atlanta.

Lee shared the devastating news with his followers Sunday afternoon on Instagram.

“I’m So Sad to Announce The Tragic Murder Of Our Beloved Brother Thomas Jefferson Byrd Last Night In Atlanta, Georgia,” the director wrote. “Tom Is My Guy, Here Below You See Him As The Frightening Character Errol Barnes In CLOCKERS. Brother Byrd Also Did His Thang In My Joints – CHI-RAQ, SWEET BLOOD OF JESUS, RED HOOK SUMMER, BAMBOOZLED, HE GOT GAME, GET ON THE BUS, GIRL 6 And CLOCKERS. May We All Wish Condolences And Blessings To His Family. Rest In Peace Brother Byrd.”

Atlanta police told WSB-TV that Byrd was shot several times in the back at a home in the city. Investigators said he died at the scene.

The suspect fled and has not yet been arrested. Investigators are still trying to figure out the motive for the shooting.

Byrd was born in Griffin, Georgia in 1941. He earned a bachelor of science degree in education from Morris Brown College and later received a master of fine arts degree from the California Institute of the Arts, according to his IMDb page.

He received a Tony Award nomination in 2003 for his performance in the play “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”