Christopher “Big Black” Boykin — who starred alongside his best friend, pro skateboarder/entrepreneur Rob Dyrdek — on the hit MTV show “Rob & Big,” has died.
According to TMZ, the reality TV star passed away Tuesday morning (May 9), and his rep confirmed with People that his cause of death was a heart attack. He was 45 years old.
Boykin was Rob Dyrderk’s best friend and bodyguard on their MTV reality show “Rob & Big,” which aired from 2006 to 2008, as well as “Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory,” which ran from 2009 to 2015.
The shows followed the pair as they got into a bunch of random adventures and shenanigans, such as breaking Guinness World Records, exorcising their house, installing an ATM and more. Guest stars on “Fantasy Factory” included Ryan Sheckler, John Mayer, Ludacris, and Johnny Knoxville and Bam Margera of “Jackass” fame.
Before becoming famous as a reality TV star, Chris Boykin served in the United States Navy. He is survived by his wife of 9 years, Shannon Boykin, and a 9-year-old daughter.
MTV said in a statement, “MTV is deeply saddened to learn the news of Christopher ‘Big Black’ Boykin’s passing. He was a longtime and beloved member of the MTV family and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this time.”
