Coolio’s Brother, American Actor Malieek Straughter, Died from Cancer

American actor Malieek Straughter passed away on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, after losing a battle with lung cancer. His sudden death came as a shock to the Hollywood community.

He was the brother of late ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ rapper Coolio, who died in September 2022 at 59 in a cardiac arrest. Malieek was in Coolio’s original band, the ’40 Thevz’ from 1992- 1998. He once said about Coolio,

“Coolio’s like family he lived in the house next door to me, we’ve known each other several decades”.

Who was Malieek Straughter?

Malieek was a multi-talented artist. Before stepping into the artistic world of Hollywood, he had served for over four years in the US NAVY on board the LHA-5, Gulf War Vet.
He was a writer, director and actor in Hollywood.

He worked with many notable artists in Hollywood, including F. Gary Grey, Spike Lee, Brett Ratner, Anthony Hemingway and Vin Diesel. He worked on several prestigious projects such as Italian Job, A Man Apart, Friday After Next, Line Watch, Lottery Ticket, Beyond The Lights, and Den of Thieves. His work on TV is also commendable.

He worked on the famous TV show Prison Break’s pilot episode, Cold Case, NYPD Blues, Unsolved (USA 2018) and many more. He recently earned his degree of Bachelor of Science with Honors in Directing and Writing from The Los Angeles Film School.

He was a multi-talented individual. He had musical talents, which he showcased in his time with rapper Coolio’s ‘40 Thevz’. He was in the Navy. He was the writer, director and producer of the TV mini-series ‘Girl 17’. He was a family man and loved his friends as his family. He was the father of four kids.

What happened to Malieek Straughter?

He had been struggling with lung cancer for some time. He lost his battle with Cancer and passed away.

Tributes

His friends have expressed their grief over their friend’s untimely demise. They have paid tributes to the late actor. The community has offered overwhelming support for friends and family.

Buddy Rom wrote on social media,

“R.I.P. Malieek Straughter He Played In Movies Italian Job, A Man Apart, Friday After Next, Linewatch, Succer Free City, & Lottery Ticket.
He’s Also The Brother Of The Late Great Grammy Award Winning Rapper Coolio.”
Jerry Coleman wrote,

“We share in this time of grief but also share in the love and memories of former USS Peleliu LHA5 shipmate Malieek Straughter. He will be truly missed.
Pray for the family.”

Amelia Warner

Amelia Warner writes all the Latest Articles. She mostly covers Entertainment topics, but at times loves to write about movie reviews as well.