Dedrick D. Gobert

Dedrick D. Gob (November 25, 1971 – November 19, 1994) was an American film actor best known for his supporting role as Dooky in the 1991 film Boyz n the Hood.

Career

Born Dedrick Dwayne Fontenot in Louisiana, Gobert made his film debut in the 1991 John Singleton film Boyz n the Hood. In the film, he portrayed the role of "Dooky", a friend of Darrin "Doughboy" Baker (Ice Cube). Gobert's character was noted for his ever present pacifier. The character's pacifier has been cited as the origin for the pacifier trend that was popular among teenagers and young adults in the early 1990s (Flavor Flav, who wore one around his neck in a Public Enemy video, has also been cited as the originator).

He followed with supporting roles in two other Singleton directed films: Poetic Justice (1993) and Higher Learning (1995), which was released after his death.

Death & Aftermath

On November 19, 1994, six days before his 23rd birthday, Gobert was fatally shot during a fight with several gang members in Mira Loma, California. The shooting occurred shortly after Gobert attended an illegal drag race in Mira Loma. Gobert's friend, 19-year-old Ignacio Hernandez, who was a participant in the race, was also fatally shot when he attempted to shield Gobert during the fight. Gobert's then 16-year-old girlfriend Jenny Hyon was shot in the right side of the neck but survived. The bullet was later removed but damaged her spinal cord and left her paralyzed from the neck down.