Django Unchained actor Keith Jefferson has died at the age of 53.
The news was announced by close friend and former co-star Jamie Foxx, on Instagram.
Foxx, 55, shared a devastating tribute, explaining that it would ‘take a long time to heal’ following his loss.
Alongside a photo of them posing together, he wrote: ‘This one hurts. Keith, you’ve been nothing but absolute grace, your whole life your heart is pure your love is immeasurable you were an amazing soul.
‘We will all miss you dearly. It’s gonna take a long time for this to heal. Goodbye, my friend. I love you [sic].’
Sharing another photo, the Oscar-winner added: ‘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…
‘Every 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.jefferson Keith [sic].’
Jefferson’s cause of death has not been confirmed, but it comes two months after he revealed that he had been diagnosed with .
Friends and fans rushed to offer Foxx their support in the comments below, sharing their fond memories of Jefferson.
‘Keith was so incredible,’ one commented. ‘If they only knew. He was a gem and so full of life. Fly high with the angels my friend. Love you always.’
‘I’m so sorry for your loss man! My prayers and condolences,’ another said.
A follower agreed: ‘A beautiful soul and incredible person. You will be missed, love you Keith. R.I.P.’
‘My deepest condolences on the loss of your close friend @iamjamiefoxx May he rest in peace now,’ a commenter said.
As an Instagram user added: ‘Damn!! He was an amazing artist and a better friend. He will be dearly missed.’
Jefferson developed his passion for acting at school and went on to study musical theatre at university.
He landed his first screen credit in Buffalo Soldiers, in 1997, before teaming up with Foxx in two episodes of the Jamie Foxx Show.
They paired up once again in Django Unchained, also starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Christopher Waltz, Kerry Washington and Samuel L Jackson.
Jefferson appeared as Pudgy Ralph in the acclaimed Quentin Tarantino flick, which hit cinemas in 2012.
He continued to work with the filmmaker, going on to star as Charly in 2015’s The Hateful Eight, and as Land Pirate Keith in Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood, in 2019.
As well as his efforts on screen, he performed with multiple theatre companies throughout his career, including The La Jolla Playhouse and Southwest Shakespeare.
Jefferson offered up his talents to others, serving as a personal acting coach for those hoping to make it in the industry.
In August, he shared the heartbreaking news that he had been diagnosed with cancer, penning a lengthy message on Instagram.
‘Every now and then God will give you a challenge and leave it up to you to fix it,’ he said at the time.
‘When I was first diagnosed with cancer I had to stop, pause , and didn’t want to share with anyone. Not my family nor extended family. Today I’m finally at a place to share because my faith is getting stronger.
‘I have a loving family and the best friends in the entire world. You know who you are. From my Mom to J Foxx and everybody in between. I love you whole heartedly. We are cut from the same cloth and that cloth is the human condition.
‘Remember…”faith is the last thing you can lose.” I’m not about to lose that.’
