Heavy D, a rapper turned actor, died November 8, 2011, at his Beverly Hills home. He was 44.

According to news reports, he was laying on the walkway of the condominium building where he lived. He reportedly had returned from shopping and had difficulty breathing while walking into his building.

Born Dwight Arrington Myers in Mandeville, Jamaica, he later moved to New York City.

In the 1980s he formed the rap group Heavy D & the Boyz, which released its debut album in 1987. The group's best known song was “Now That We Found Love.” It also performed the theme to Fox television series In Living Color.

His musical success led to acting offers. His television credits included The Tracy Morgan Show, Bones, Are We There Yet? and Law & Order: SVU. He also had recurring roles on Living Single, Roc and Boston Public.

He also appeared in the feature films The Cider House Rules, Step Up and Tower Heist.