Christopher “Big Black” Boykins manager reported the unfortunate news that the former MTV reality star has died at the age of 45 years old from a heart attack on Tuesday morning. Black was best known as the Co-Star of Rob and Big.
The show surrounded the adventures of Pro Skater Rob Dyrdek and his security guard and best friend Big Black. Rob and Big went on for three seasons, each of which portrayed the ridiculousness – a name of another show Dyrdek and Black would be on together – that made up the two best friends lives.
From buying a bulldog (Meaty) and a Mini-horse (Mini-Horse), to making weird music videos with Boykin’s uncle, to picking on Dyrdek’s cousin Drama, the two personalities were a hit with MTV fans and found success after the show’s run ended. But shooting put a strain on their relationship, as Dyrdek talked about the two having a falling out a couple of years ago.
As a result, Big Black wasn’t featured as much on the next at the beginning of the next show, Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory. But the two eventually made up and Boykins began to appear on the show more frequently, and also made numerous appearances on Dyrdek’s clip comedy show Ridiculousness.
The pair even shared a Teen Choice Awards nomination for Choice TV Male Reality/Variety Star in 2008. The 6 foot 6 former bodyguard also appeared on late-night talk shows including Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Last Call with Carson Daly.
Twitter has been alight with tributes to Big Black, with friend and co-star Chanel West Coast and Rapper Juicy J tweeting their condolences regarding the big man’s passing.
Before he was a TV star, Boykin also served in the U.S. Navy. He’s survived by his 9-year-old daughter. R.I.P Big Black, we hope you winning Hot Wings eating contests in Heaven.
