Monday, June 01

Tommy Lister Zues Has Died At 62

Tommy “Tiny” Lister, who appeared in “Friday” and “The Fifth Element” and was also a professional wrestler, died Thursday, his manager Cindy Cowan confirmed.

Cowan said he was found unresponsive in his apartment in Marina del Rey, Calif. after displaying symptoms of COVID-19 in recent days. He had been working on a film and had to cancel shooting after falling ill, Cowan said.
Pat Saperstein
Thu, December 10, 2020, 8:13 PM CST·2 min read

Tommy “Tiny” Lister, who appeared in “Friday” and “The Fifth Element” and was also a professional wrestler, died Thursday, his manager Cindy Cowan confirmed.

Cowan said he was found unresponsive in his apartment in Marina del Rey, Calif. after displaying symptoms of COVID-19 in recent days. He had been working on a film and had to cancel shooting after falling ill, Cowan said.

More from Variety

John Witherspoon, 'Friday' Actor and Comedian, Dies at 77

Ice Cube Talks 'Death Certificate,' 'Friday,' and His Star on the Walk of Fame

Reynaldo Rey, 'Friday' and 'White Men Can't Jump' Actor, Dies at 75

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“He was a wonderful guy with a heart of gold. Everyone loved him. A real gentle giant,” she said, “We’re all devastated.”

Lister wrestled Hulk Hogan in the World Wrestling Federation after appearing as Zeus in 1989’s “No Holds Barred.” He later spent time in World Championship Wrestling, where he was billed as Z-Gangsta.

The actor, who was blind in his right eye, played the neighborhood bully Deebo in the 1995 “Friday” and appeared in the sequel “Next Friday.”

His other appearances include playing a prisoner in “The Dark Knight,” and the bail agent in “Jackie Brown,” as well as roles in “The Players Club,” Ice Cube’s directing debut and Mario Van Peeble’s “Posse.” He had a supporting role in “Zootopia” as the voice of the fennec fox, in Adam Sandler’s “Little Nicky” as Nicky’s brother Cassius, and in “Austin Powers in Goldmember.” In “The Fifth Element,” he played the Galactic President.

In the pilot of “Star Trek: Enterprise,” he played Klaang, the first Klingon to make contact with humans. Also on television, he appeared as Mr. Matlock’s bodyguard in “Matlock” and on “In the Heat of the Night.”

Lister appeared in music videos for French Montana, 50 Cent, Sublime, Ice Cube, Chamillionaire and Young Bleed.
Born in Compton, Calif., he won the national shot put title in college, and briefly played football before deciding to become an actor.

He is survived by a daughter.

Tommy “Tiny” Lister, who appeared in “Friday” and “The Fifth Element” and was also a professional wrestler, died Thursday, his manager Cindy Cowan confirmed.

Cowan said he was found unresponsive in his apartment in Marina del Rey, Calif. after displaying symptoms of COVID-19 in recent days. He had been working on a film and had to cancel shooting after falling ill, Cowan said.
Pat Saperstein
Thu, December 10, 2020, 8:13 PM CST·2 min read

Tommy “Tiny” Lister, who appeared in “Friday” and “The Fifth Element” and was also a professional wrestler, died Thursday, his manager Cindy Cowan confirmed.

Cowan said he was found unresponsive in his apartment in Marina del Rey, Calif. after displaying symptoms of COVID-19 in recent days. He had been working on a film and had to cancel shooting after falling ill, Cowan said.

More from Variety

John Witherspoon, 'Friday' Actor and Comedian, Dies at 77

Ice Cube Talks 'Death Certificate,' 'Friday,' and His Star on the Walk of Fame

Reynaldo Rey, 'Friday' and 'White Men Can't Jump' Actor, Dies at 75

- ADVERTISEMENT -

“He was a wonderful guy with a heart of gold. Everyone loved him. A real gentle giant,” she said, “We’re all devastated.”

Lister wrestled Hulk Hogan in the World Wrestling Federation after appearing as Zeus in 1989’s “No Holds Barred.” He later spent time in World Championship Wrestling, where he was billed as Z-Gangsta.

The actor, who was blind in his right eye, played the neighborhood bully Deebo in the 1995 “Friday” and appeared in the sequel “Next Friday.”

His other appearances include playing a prisoner in “The Dark Knight,” and the bail agent in “Jackie Brown,” as well as roles in “The Players Club,” Ice Cube’s directing debut and Mario Van Peeble’s “Posse.” He had a supporting role in “Zootopia” as the voice of the fennec fox, in Adam Sandler’s “Little Nicky” as Nicky’s brother Cassius, and in “Austin Powers in Goldmember.” In “The Fifth Element,” he played the Galactic President.

In the pilot of “Star Trek: Enterprise,” he played Klaang, the first Klingon to make contact with humans. Also on television, he appeared as Mr. Matlock’s bodyguard in “Matlock” and on “In the Heat of the Night.”

Lister appeared in music videos for French Montana, 50 Cent, Sublime, Ice Cube, Chamillionaire and Young Bleed.
Born in Compton, Calif., he won the national shot put title in college, and briefly played football before deciding to become an actor.

He is survived by a daughter.
Actor Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister has died at 62, reports Variety. Lister was found in his L.A. apartment and an investigation is underway.
Lister’s entertainment career began in the 1980s, including an appearance opposite Hulk Hogan in the 1989 wrestling movie No Holds Barred as the heel, Zeus. A short stint in the WWE and the WCW followed, but it was his role as Deebo in F. Gary Gray’s 1995 film Friday that shot him to stardom.

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U.S.–Iran Tensions Rise After Major Naval Incident in Strait of Hormuz

Global tensions are increasing after a reported naval confrontation involving the United States and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. The incident has sparked fears of rising fuel prices, global economic instability, and potential military escalation in the Middle East. Governments around the world are closely monitoring the situation as international markets react to the growing uncertainty.

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The Strait of Hormuz is responsible for transporting a large percentage of the world’s oil supply, making any disruption in the region a serious concern for energy markets. Financial analysts say prolonged tensions could lead to higher gasoline prices across the United States and increased transportation costs globally. Americans are closely following the developing story as searches related to “oil prices,” “Iran conflict,” and “Middle East tensions” continue trending online.

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Military officials have stated that additional security measures are being considered to protect commercial shipping routes and maintain regional stability. Political leaders from several countries are also calling for diplomatic negotiations to avoid further escalation. Experts warn that continued instability could impact stock markets, global trade, and inflation if tensions continue over the coming weeks.

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Best Email Marketing Platforms for Small Business Growth in 2026

Email marketing remains one of the most reliable and cost-effective ways for small businesses to connect with customers, drive sales, and build long-term relationships. While social media trends come and go, email continues to deliver consistent results because it gives businesses direct access to their audience. Choosing the best email marketing platforms for small business can make a major difference in how effectively you reach and convert your customers.

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In 2026, email marketing is no longer just about sending newsletters. Modern platforms offer automation, personalization, and advanced analytics that allow even small businesses to run highly targeted campaigns. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your marketing efforts, the right platform can help you save time, improve engagement, and increase revenue.

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Why Email Marketing Still Works

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Despite the rise of social media and paid advertising, email marketing continues to outperform many other channels. One of the main reasons is ownership—your email list belongs to you, unlike social media followers that depend on platform algorithms.

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Email also allows for direct and personalized communication. You can tailor messages based on customer behavior, preferences, and past interactions. This level of personalization increases open rates, click-through rates, and conversions.

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Another advantage is cost-effectiveness. Compared to paid ads, email marketing offers a high return on investment, making it ideal for small businesses with limited budgets.

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What to Look for in an Email Marketing Platform

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Choosing the right platform can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. However, focusing on a few key features can help you make the best decision.

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1. Ease of Use

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A good platform should be easy to navigate, even if you have no technical experience. Drag-and-drop editors and ready-made templates can save time and simplify the process.

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2. Automation Features

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Automation allows you to send emails based on user actions, such as signing up for a newsletter or making a purchase. This helps you stay connected with customers without manual effort.

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3. Segmentation and Personalization

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The ability to segment your audience and send targeted messages is crucial for improving engagement. Personalized emails often perform better than generic ones.

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4. Analytics and Reporting

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Understanding how your campaigns perform is essential. Look for platforms that provide detailed insights into open rates, clicks, and conversions.

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5. Integration with Other Tools

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Your email platform should integrate with your website, CRM, and other marketing tools to create a seamless workflow.

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Popular Email Marketing Platforms for Small Businesses

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Several platforms stand out for their features and ease of use. Many small businesses rely on tools like Mailchimp for its beginner-friendly interface and automation features. Others prefer Constant Contact for its strong customer support and templates, or ConvertKit for its focus on creators and content-driven businesses.

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Each platform has its strengths, so the best choice depends on your specific needs and goals.

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How Email Marketing Helps Small Businesses Grow

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Email marketing supports business growth in several ways. First, it helps you build relationships with your audience. Regular communication keeps your brand top of mind and encourages repeat business.

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Second, it drives consistent traffic to your website. Whether you’re promoting a new product, sharing blog content, or announcing a sale, email campaigns can generate immediate engagement.

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Third, email marketing improves customer retention. By staying connected with your audience, you increase the likelihood that they will return and make additional purchases.

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Best Practices for Successful Email Campaigns

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To get the most out of your email marketing efforts, it’s important to follow proven strategies.

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Write Engaging Subject Lines

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Your subject line is the first thing recipients see. A compelling subject line increases the chances that your email will be opened.

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Keep Content Clear and Valuable

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Focus on providing value rather than overwhelming readers with too much information. Clear, concise content performs best.

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Use Strong Calls to Action

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Every email should have a purpose. Whether it’s visiting your website, making a purchase, or signing up for a service, guide your readers with clear calls to action.

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Test and Optimize

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Experiment with different formats, subject lines, and send times to see what works best for your audience.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

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One common mistake is sending too many emails, which can lead to unsubscribes. On the other hand, sending too few emails can cause your audience to forget about your brand. Finding the right balance is key.

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Another mistake is neglecting mobile optimization. Many users check emails on their phones, so your emails should be easy to read on smaller screens.

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Finally, avoid buying email lists. Building your own list ensures that your audience is genuinely interested in your content.

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How to Get Started

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Getting started with email marketing is easier than ever. Begin by choosing a platform that fits your needs and budget. Next, create a simple signup form on your website to collect email addresses.

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Focus on building your list organically by offering value, such as discounts, useful content, or exclusive updates. Once you have subscribers, start with a welcome email and gradually build your campaign strategy.

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The Future of Email Marketing

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Email marketing continues to evolve with advancements in technology. Artificial intelligence is making it easier to personalize content and optimize campaigns. Automation is becoming more sophisticated, allowing businesses to create highly targeted customer journeys.

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As these trends continue, businesses that invest in email marketing will be better positioned to connect with their audience and drive long-term growth.

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Final Thoughts

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Choosing the best email marketing platform for small business is an important step toward building a successful marketing strategy. With the right tools and approach, email marketing can help you connect with customers, increase sales, and grow your business over time.

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The key is to stay consistent, focus on providing value, and continuously improve your campaigns. When done right, email marketing becomes one of the most powerful tools in your business toolkit.

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Marketing professionals recommend using trusted email marketing platforms, automation tools, and data-driven strategies to ensure consistent engagement and long-term business growth.

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