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8 Things You Probably Never Knew About 'Friday'

8 Things You Probably Never Knew About 'Friday'

Published Wed, February 28, 2024 at 11:45 AM EST

Ice Cube's 1995 stoner comedy Friday, remains a classic.

Arguably one of the funniest, most influential films of the past three decades, the movie, written by Ice Cube and DJ Pooh (who plays Red), not only gave longtime fans a glimpse into Cube's lighter side, it also introduced the world to a load of comedic talent — most famously that of a then mostly unknown Chris Tucker.

Friday also further solidified Nia Long as a star, delivered iconic moments from the late John Witherspoon, Tommy Lister, Jr., and Bernie Mac, and showcased the many talents of west coast legend DJ Pooh. It also served as a springboard for director F. Gary Gray's career.

Revered as an all-time great, here are eight things you may not have known about Friday.

1. It was shot in 20 days.

That's record time for any movie, especially one that landed as solidly as this one did.

2. It was shot on the street where director F. Gary Gray grew up.

Specifically, the film's location was 126th Street between Normandie and Halldale Avenues. F. Gary Gray's childhood home is even in the background when Deebo (Tiny Lister) punches Red.

3. Chris Rock and Tommy Davidson were considered to play Smokey.

Of course, the role went to Chris Tucker, and catapulted him to stardom, helping to land the blockbuster franchise, Rush Hour with Jackie Chan.

4. Chris Tucker was so funny, the crew had to leave the set.

Chris Tucker was so hilarious the crew literally had to leave the set because they were messing up takes with their laughter.

5. Actress Angela Means Kaaya doesn't want "Bye, Felicia" on her tombstone.

Seriously, Friday is full of so many pop culture moments which have lasted decades, including the ever-popular, "By, Felicia." "The last thing, I think, me and Cube both thought was that this was going to be a part of America’s pop culture 20 years later," Kaaya told Ebony in 2014. I’m cool with the ‘Bye Felicia’ thing, but I tell my son, ‘Don’t put it on my tombstone.’"

6. The movie solidified Nia Long and Ice Cube's onscreen chemistry.

Cube and Long both appeared in Boyz N The Hood but their starring roles in Friday further cemented their onscreen chemistry, which led to them starring in the family comedy franchise, Are We There Yet?.

7. Cube pays homage to Doughboy in the movie.

Cube made his film debut playing Doughboy in Boyz N The Hood, and he made sure to show the character homage with Craig's wardrobe, notably in the opening scene when he gets out of bed in a black shirt and white socks.

8. Deebo was based on a real Crip

According to Tommy "Tiny" Lister — who portrayed Deebo — his performance was based on Eugene "Big U" Henley. In an interview, he stated, "Big U taught me that he imposed his will on the subject and he was relentless. I grew up in that element, and so I mimicked it.”

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