Aziza “Z” Barnes, a poet and writer for the FX drama “Snowfall” and Netflix’s “Teenage Bounty Hunters,” has died. They were 32.
Their family confirmed through a representative that Barnes died by suicide on December 15. No further details were released.
“It is with heavy hearts that we regret to inform you of the passing of an unmistakable and beloved artist, child, sibling and friend Aziza ‘Z’ Barnes,” their family’s statement read. “Z touched and inspired countless individuals, both in their communities and in the industry, and will be deeply missed and endlessly loved by all who were fortunate enough to experience their presence and work. An incomparable talent, we seek understanding in Z’s words, wishing comfort and understanding as we grieve this loss.
Born in Los Angeles, Barnes earned a BFA from New York University and was pursuing an MFA from the University of Mississippi. Barnes was also an accomplished poet as both a Callaloo Fellow and Poet’s House Fellow.
Safia Elhillo, an “old” friend of Barnes, posted tribute on Substack writing that they were a “brilliant writer” and a “genre that died too soon, leaving an entire community lost in grief.” Elhillo then shared a poem by Barnes titled “Eulogy for Her,” which she has cherished since “[they] were children.”
Some of their other credits include the “Game of Thrones” prequel series “Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” which will be released in 2025, and Max’s hip-hop drama “Rap Sh!t.”
(Pictured: FX’s “Snowfall”)