Christopher ‘Big Black’ Boykin, ex-MTV reality star, dies
Christopher "Big Black" Boykin appears on MTV's "Total Request Live" at MTV Times Square studios in Manhattan in November 2006. Credit: AP / Stephen Chernin
PLANO, Texas — Former MTV reality show star Christopher “Big Black” Boykin has died at the age of 45.
Boykin’s ex-wife Shannon Turley tells Entertainment Tonight that Boykin died at a Plano, Texas, hospital Tuesday. Turley says Boykin suffered from congenital heart failure and doctors said he likely needed a transplant. She says Boykin had been in the hospital several times over the past year.
Boykin starred alongside former pro skater Rob Dyrdek in MTV’s “Rob and Big” from 2006 to 2008. The network said in a statement that Boykin “was a long time and beloved member of the MTV family and will be greatly missed.”
Dyrdek paid tribute to Boykin on Twitter Tuesday, writing that his “heart is broken.”
Boykin is survived by his 9-year-old daughter with Turley.
Look back at NewsdayTV's top exclusives and highlights of 2025 Take a look back at the exclusive stories Newday journalists brought you in 2025, from investigations to interviews with celebrities.
Look back at NewsdayTV's top exclusives and highlights of 2025 Take a look back at the exclusive stories Newday journalists brought you in 2025, from investigations to interviews with celebrities.
