Christopher “Big Black” Boykin passed away from a heart attack on May 9, a rep for Boykin confirmed to PEOPLE.
Boykin was widely famous for starring next to Rob Dyrdek on MTV’s Rob & Big. The show centered around the two and their daily antics, playing off their size difference and the bond the two shared. Coming in at 6’6” and 375 pounds, Boykin was Dyrdek’s bodyguard. The show ran for 3 seasons with 31 total episodes, and made the song “Best Friend” into an iconic hit. The show abruptly ended, apparently as friction formed between Boykin and Dyrdek.
TMZ was the first to report the news.
Boykin is survived by his daughter, Isis Rae Boykin, who is 9-years-old.
Fellow cast members from Rob & Big turned to social media to express their grief;
RIP @BigBlack. My heart is crushed. I’ll remember all the times you made me laugh and my prayers go out to your family ??????????????
— Chanel (@chanelwestcoast) May 10, 2017
RIP ?? https://t.co/8QG1ZdUJmy
— Chanel (@chanelwestcoast) May 10, 2017
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My heart is broken. I don’t want write this post. I don’t want to believe that this is reality. I am so thankful for you. pic.twitter.com/Atp5EE3jX6
— Rob Dyrdek (@robdyrdek) May 10, 2017