Co-star Kirk Acevedo was the one who broke the news of his passing.
Actor Granville Adams – who starred as Zahir Arif on HBO’s “Oz,” died at the age of 58 after his battle with cancer. His co-star Kirk Acevedo affirmed his passing on Sunday in a sincere Instagram post.
“I lost my brotha today after a long battle with cancer. I don’t do well with loss because I’m unfamiliar with it.” He adds, “Yo Granny we’ll be chopping it up on the other side one day. Until then… Rest easy my friend.”
Adams appeared to announce his diagnosis back in December of last year, posting a photograph of himself in a hospital bed, with a caption, “F*** CANCER!” He kept on imparting updates with his last shared in July with the caption, “135 pounds of post radiation badness.”
“Oz” creator Tom Fontana took to social media to pay tribute to the late entertainer, “Goodnight, sweet prince/and flights of angels sing thee to they rest #granvilleadams #oz”
Aside from starring as Zahir Arif – a Muslim inmate who served as a lieutenant to Kareem Said on HBO’s “Oz” in dozens of episodes during its run from 1997 to 2003, he also starred the movie “Empire,” “Magic City Memoirs,” and as Officer Jeff Westby on the NBC series “Homicide: Life on the Street from 1996 to 1999,” which he later reprised the character in the big-screen spin-off, “Homicide: The Movie.”
Reactions to “OZ” Star Granville Adams Passed Away After Battling Cancer
Granville Adams, who portrayed Zahir Arif in HBO’s Oz, died after a battle with cancer. He was 58.😢
Granville Adams, who portrayed Zahir Arif in HBO’s Oz, died after a battle with cancer. He was 58.😢 pic.twitter.com/zceHn3rryC
— Sumner (@diamondlass99) October 11, 2021
RIP Granville Adams who played Zahir Arif on Oz. 💔🕊 #oz
RIP Granville Adams who played Zahir Arif on Oz. 💔🕊 #oz pic.twitter.com/hOjyeRrSCb
— The Southern Guy (@ariesvibez) October 10, 2021
#RIPGranvilleAdams a deeply talented and emotional actor, he shall be missed by many. #GranvilleAdams #FuckCancer
#RIPGranvilleAdams a deeply talented and emotional actor, he shall be missed by many.#GranvilleAdams #FuckCancer pic.twitter.com/5A7WyvGC9g
— Death By DVD (@Deathbydvd) October 10, 2021
Rest in power, Granville Adams. Such a quiet yet powerful on screen presence. #oz #ZahirArif
Rest in power, Granville Adams. Such a quiet yet powerful on screen presence.#oz #ZahirArif pic.twitter.com/FkXfHPp1Jr
— Roy (@RoyZemach) October 10, 2021
#GranvilleAdams was so good in Oz and other series. May he rest in peace after this fierce battle. 🙏🏻
#GranvilleAdams was so good in Oz and other series. May he rest in peace after this fierce battle. 🙏🏻
— Cyndy Metcalf 🎭💚 (@MsCynMet) October 11, 2021
He’ll always be our Zahir Arif to every OZ fan who loves the show like I do. Rest peacefully Granville Adams, you will be missed🙏🏻😢
He’ll always be our Zahir Arif to every OZ fan who loves the show like I do. Rest peacefully Granville Adams, you will be missed🙏🏻😢 https://t.co/EUvSHbKNZn
— Ryan G. (@GhantousRyan) October 10, 2021
You’re in my thoughts. It’s just not easy. Good for you for speaking out.
You’re in my thoughts. It’s just not easy. Good for you for speaking out. https://t.co/TYqtYAmLXb
— Ruby Lewis (@rubyeve70) October 10, 2021
Very sorry for your loss ...
Very sorry for your loss … https://t.co/YIraupFrcQ
— Bill Roberts (@sailorbill007) October 10, 2021
I am so very sorry for the loss of your brother. It is so hard to watch them battle cancer for a long time. He is now at peace after the long fight. Please take care of yourself.
I am so very sorry for the loss of your brother. It is so hard to watch them battle cancer for a long time. He is now at peace after the long fight. Please take care of yourself. https://t.co/8G8FLW3hgy
— Susan T (@Suzie332) October 10, 2021
Sorry for you loss Kirk! Deepest Condolences! I pray for peace & solace!🙏
Sorry for you loss Kirk! Deepest Condolences! I pray for peace & solace!🙏 https://t.co/5KM6CMbuoS
— reymtsgt (@REYMTSGT) October 10, 2021