Felicia Forbes is best known as the wife of the late American actor and professional wrestler Tommy “Tiny” Lister Jr., who famously played Deebo in the 1995 comedy Friday. Though she has never sought the spotlight herself, her marriage to one of Hollywood’s most recognisable character actors has made her a subject of ongoing public curiosity. This article explores who Felicia Forbes really is, her background, her marriage to Tommy Lister, and the life she has built away from the cameras.
Felicia Forbes: Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Felicia Forbes |
| Known For | Wife of actor Tommy “Tiny” Lister Jr. |
| Date of Birth | 2 January 1972 |
| Birthplace | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African-American |
| Profession | Human Resources Business Partner, ABM Aviation, Inc. |
| Background | Former missionary and minister |
| Spouse | Tommy Lister Jr. (married 2003, separated 2019-2020) |
| Child | Daughter, Faith Grace Lister (born 2008) |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Notable Connection | Late husband starred in Friday (1995) as Deebo |
Who Is Felicia Forbes?
Felicia Forbes is a South African-born missionary and minister who later became a Human Resources professional in the United States. She rose to public attention primarily through her marriage to Tommy Lister Jr., rather than through a career in entertainment.
Unlike her husband, Felicia never pursued fame. She has largely stayed away from red carpets and media interviews, choosing instead to focus on her faith, her family, and her career in corporate human resources.
Early Life and Background
Felicia Forbes was born on 2 January 1972 in Cape Town, South Africa. Details about her parents, siblings, and early childhood remain largely private, as she has consistently avoided sharing personal history with the press.
Growing up in a devout Christian household shaped much of her adult life. She trained and worked as a missionary and minister in Cape Town, dedicating years of her life to religious outreach before her relationship with Tommy Lister changed the course of her public profile.
How Felicia Forbes Met Tommy Lister Jr.
Felicia met Tommy Lister Jr. in January 2003 in Cape Town, while he was in South Africa filming the action movie Blast. According to accounts shared by the couple, the connection between them was immediate.
The pair began dating shortly after meeting and married the same year, choosing to keep the ceremony intimate rather than turning it into a Hollywood spectacle.
Their Wedding
Felicia and Tommy married in 2003 at the home of South African construction developer Falk Haroun and his wife, Malie, in Cape Town. Pastor Wayne Meyer of His People Christian Church officiated the ceremony.
The wedding reflected the couple’s shared Christian faith, which both Felicia and Tommy described as central to their relationship throughout their marriage.
Marriage to Tommy Lister Jr.
Tommy Lister Jr., born Thomas Duane Lister on 24 June 1958, was widely known for his role as Deebo in Friday and for his background as a professional wrestler before transitioning into acting. He often credited his wife’s strong Christian values as something he had long hoped for in a partner, once telling Jet magazine that he wanted a wife who shared his devotion to faith.
The couple attended the West Angeles Church of God in Los Angeles, a congregation also linked to actor Samuel L. Jackson. For much of their marriage, Felicia and Tommy presented as a close and faith-centred family unit, frequently sharing moments with their daughter on social media.
Felicia Forbes and Tommy Lister’s Daughter
Felicia and Tommy welcomed a daughter, Faith Grace Lister, in 2008. Both parents were reported to be deeply involved in raising her, with Tommy often posting affectionate images of the family online.
Faith remains the only publicly confirmed child from the marriage. Reports suggesting Felicia has a son have not been substantiated by any reliable source.
Separation Before Tommy Lister’s Death
By 2019 and 2020, reports indicated that Felicia and Tommy had separated, although the couple had not filed for divorce at the time of his death. Court and police reports from 2019 referenced personal difficulties in the relationship, and Tommy publicly acknowledged the separation during that period.
Tommy Lister Jr. died on 10 December 2020 at his apartment in Marina del Rey, California. He had previously been diagnosed with COVID-19 earlier that year and had recovered, though he fell ill again in December with symptoms consistent with the virus before his death. Because the couple had never legally divorced, Felicia remained recognised as his wife at the time of his passing.
Felicia Forbes’ Career
Away from her marriage, Felicia Forbes built a professional career in human resources. She has worked as a Human Resources Business Partner at ABM Aviation, Inc. since November 2018, a role unrelated to the entertainment industry that her late husband occupied.
Her career reflects a life largely separate from Hollywood, grounded instead in corporate work and her long-standing commitment to ministry and missionary service in Cape Town.
Why People Are Interested in Felicia Forbes
Public interest in Felicia Forbes stems almost entirely from her connection to Tommy Lister Jr. Since his death, many readers have searched for details about her biography, her background, and how she is coping with life after her husband’s passing. Her decision to remain largely private has only deepened curiosity about her story.
Conclusion
Felicia Forbes lived much of her life away from the public eye, known chiefly as the wife of actor Tommy “Tiny” Lister Jr. Born in Cape Town in 1972, she built a life around her Christian faith, her career in human resources, and raising her daughter, Faith. Despite the couple’s separation before Tommy’s death in 2020, their marriage and shared devotion to faith remain central to how Felicia Forbes is remembered by the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Felicia Forbes?
Felicia Forbes is a South African-born missionary and Human Resources professional best known as the wife of actor Tommy “Tiny” Lister Jr., who played Deebo in Friday.
When did Felicia Forbes marry Tommy Lister Jr.?
Felicia Forbes married Tommy Lister Jr. in 2003 in Cape Town, South Africa, at a private ceremony officiated by Pastor Wayne Meyer.
Do Felicia Forbes and Tommy Lister Jr. have children?
Yes, the couple has one confirmed daughter, Faith Grace Lister, who was born in 2008.
Were Felicia Forbes and Tommy Lister Jr. still married when he died?
Yes, although the couple had separated by 2019 or 2020, they had not finalised a divorce, so Felicia was still legally recognised as his wife when he died in December 2020.
What does Felicia Forbes do for a living?
Felicia Forbes works as a Human Resources Business Partner at ABM Aviation, Inc., a role she has held since November 2018.
