Remembering Keith Jefferson: 'Hateful Eight' and 'Django Unchained' Actor, Dies at 53

Keith Jefferson, an actor who appeared in several Quentin Tarantino films, such as Django Unchained, The Hateful Eight, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, has passed away at the age of 53. He was diagnosed with cancer in August and succumbed to the disease on Wednesday. His co-star and longtime friend Jamie Foxx paid tribute to him on social media, calling him “an amazing soul” and “a grace”.

Early Life & Career

Keith Jefferson was born on April 7, 1970, in Houston, Texas. He developed a passion for performing arts at a young age and pursued his education in musical theater and acting. He received a BFA from U.S. International in San Diego and an MFA from the University of Arizona.

Jefferson made his onscreen debut in 1995 with a small role in Boys on the Side, a comedy-drama starring Whoopi Goldberg, Mary-Louise Parker, and Drew Barrymore. He also appeared in several touring and regional theater productions, such as Big River, Othello, Superior Donuts, and Piano Lesson.

Collaboration with Jamie Foxx

Jefferson and Jamie Foxx first met in college, and since then they have worked together frequently. In the sitcom The Jamie Foxx Show, which ran from 1996 to 2001, he appeared in two episodes. In addition to Django Unchained (2012), Day Shift (2022), and The Burial (2023), he collaborated with Foxx on a number of other projects.

Foxx posted an homage to Jefferson on Instagram on Thursday, writing, "This one hurts." Keith, you were an extraordinary person with a pure heart and an inexhaustible supply of love. We will miss you tremendously. The recovery time for this is really lengthy. Goodbye, my friend. I love you."

Foxx also shared some photos of their memories together and wrote: "Everything hurts right now having a hard time looking through these pictures reliving the memories of us having a great time going to miss you man gonna miss you … ever since we met back in college, you have been in incredible soul God rest, NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD HAVE TO SEE THE WORDS ABOUT MY FRIEND RIP Keith."

Work with Quentin Tarantino

Jefferson was also known for his roles in three Quentin Tarantino films: Django Unchained, The Hateful Eight (2015), and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019). He played Pudgy Ralph, Charly, and Land Pirate Keith respectively in these films.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter published in 2019, he thanked Tarantino for the opportunity to work with him: Incredibly generous person: Quentin. Both professionally and personally, he gives a lot. He cares deeply about his performers and does everything he can to help them succeed.

Other projects & Achievements

Jefferson also worked as a producer, voice actor, and acting instructor. He produced and starred in Relative Opposites, a comedy film that won the Audience Award at the Dances With Films Festival in 2006. Several video games, including Call of Duty: Black Ops III, Mafia III, and Red Dead Redemption II, feature his voiceover work.

The late star was involved in numerous planned projects, including Bosch: Legacy, You Too, and The Burial. The latter was his most important role to date, according to his Instagram post last month: "It’s finally here, and what a blessing it was to work on this film with an amazing group of actors. My most significant role to date, starring alongside Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones."

Legacy & Condolences

Jefferson will be remembered as a skilled and versatile actor who brought life to every character he played. Many people's lives were improved by his companionship and guidance, thus he will also be remembered for his generosity.

On social media, many of his peers and admirers have shared their sadness and tributes to him. Some of them are Leonardo DiCaprio, Samuel L. Jackson, Kerry Washington, Regina King, Kevin Hart, and Taraji P. Henson.

A good name for him According to Nicole St. John, Jefferson was working on various projects and was eager to get back to work in the new year. When asked to elaborate, she said, "He had been looking forward to sharing his unique and resonant voice with the world."

The Mystery of Keith Jefferson’s Love Life

Keith Jefferson never married and kept his relationships private. He did not have any known partners or affairs, and he rarely talked about his love life in public. He was a reserved and discreet person who did not reveal much about his personal life.

Jefferson focused on his acting career and his friendship with Jamie Foxx, whom he met at the University of Southern California. He appeared in several Tarantino films, such as Django Unchained, The Hateful Eight, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. He passed away at the age of 53 from cancer.

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