Christopher Boykin, the best friend of Rob Dyrdek and co-star of the former hit MTV reality series Rob & Big, died on Tuesday from unknown causes.
He was 45 years old.
According to Boykin’s representative, per TMZ, no official cause has been determined, but those close to “Big Black” believe he passed away from a heart attack.
The program chronicled the life and friendship of the professional skateboarder and his close pal, who also served as his bodyguard.
On the show, Boykin and Dyrdek lived together in the Hollywood Hills and hatched one crazy plan after another.
For example, one week they decided to teach Meaty the Bulldog how to skateboard … and another week they purchased a miniature horse that they planned to keep in their backyard.
The series was chock full of practical jokes and humorous stunts, but it was mostly highlighted by the way in which Rob and Big – who possessed contrasting personalities – interacted with one another.
It was sort of like a version of classic sitcom The Odd Couple.
At one point, Boykin and Dyrdek’s friendship grew a bit strained, but they made up enough to appear together on the show Fantasy Factory.
In a March 2016 interview, Dyrdek opened up about his fall out with Boykin, saying at the time:
“He didn’t want to be known for [being] the side kick. So that created a lot of that tension between me and him.”
Just six weeks ago, however, Dyrdek shared the following throwback photo of himself and his now-late friend.
Prior to becoming and unexpected reality star, Boykin served in the United States Navy.
He is survived by a nine-year old daughter.
Upon learning of this sad news, rapper Chanel West Coast Tweeted the following message:
RIP @BigBlack. My heart is crushed. I’ll remember all the times you made me laugh and my prayers go out to your family.
Along with Rob & Big and Fantasy Factory, Boykin appeared on three episodes of Dyrdek’s other show Ridiculousness, as well as MTV Guy Code and MTV Snack Off.
We send our condolences to his family members, friends and loved ones.
And we also send our condolences to the family members, friends and loved ones of all famous people who have passed away in 2017:
