Actor and rapper Gene Allen has died.
The What’s Love Got To Do With It? star is said to have died ‘suddenly’ at home.
Allen, known by his nickname ‘Groove’, died on Wednesday at his home in Maryland, reportedly as the result of a medical emergency.
Family members told TMZ his death came as a complete shock.
His cause of death has not been confirmed.
According to TMZ, Allen was aged 62, though his IMDb profile states he was 60.
Allen appeared in movies like the 1990 comedy House Party and its sequel, as well as 1993 Tina Turner film What’s Love Got To Do With It? alongside Angela Bassett.
He played a ‘street photographer’ in 1992 movie Boomerang with Eddie Murphy, Robin Givens and Halle Berry.
His last Instagram post was shared just four days ago, where he was seen rapping and singing at a party.
‘2025!!! I aint playing…’ he wrote.
Allen rose to fame in the music industry as a member of trio Groove B. Chill alongside Daryl Mitchell and Eric B.
The group appeared in House Party together, alongside hip-hop duo Kid ‘n Play, consisting of Christopher Reid and Christopher Martin.
Eric B has led tributes on Instagram, writing: ‘Got a call from my brother chill that his brother groove passed away.
‘Dam rest in peace brother groove we will continue to celebrate your life let the house party continue on thanks for the great music and movie moments.’
Commenting on Allen’s latest Instagram post, @seeing_and_believing said: ‘R.I.P. to one of Hip Hop’s most underrated harmonizes. The precursor to Nate Dog.’
‘Rest Easy Groove,’ @abadiajr added, while @reesees_sweet_treats4189 said: ‘Thank you for your contribution to the culture sir, Rest Well!!’
Allen is survived by his wife and three children.
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