The “Inside the NBA” family is grieving the sudden passing of Kevin Thomas, a cherished stagehand on the iconic TNT studio show who died at 70.
Kevin Thomas, who hailed from Stone Mountain, Georgia, is survived by his wife, Cece, his son, Noah Thomas, and four grandchildren.
Meanwhile, details surrounding his family, including his wife and son, remain unknown, for Kevin Thomas was a private person who kept his personal life away from the public eye.
Although Cece maintained a low-key life, she undoubtedly played a significant part in his life, supporting him through thick and thin.
Given his prolonged tenure of three decades at TNT’s Studio J, Thomas was honored with an emotional tribute during the Thursday night broadcast on May 8, 2025.
TNT’s “Inside the NBA” lead host Ernie Johnson led the emotional segment alongside Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith, surrounded by the entire crew.
Kevin Thomas was a stagehand who worked behind the scenes at TNT’s Studio J for over 30 years, helping make “Inside the NBA” the fun and beloved show it is today.
With a heavy heart, Ernie Johnson said:
Kevin Thomas was one of the stagehands here in Studio J. Been here for thirty years, and he was one great teammate.
Ernie Johnson
Likewise, he also highlighted Thomas’ involvement in memorable skits, including a hilarious moment where Thomas filed down Shaquille O’Neal’s nails on live TV and another where he playfully put Shaq in a WWE-style chokehold.
Johnson added,
“The dude had a joyous sense of humor and the kindness about him that simply drew you in.”
Johnson said,
“We pray in this time that is unspeakably difficult, they can somehow find comfort and peace knowing how that husband, that father, that grandfather, was loved and respected,”
The suddenness of Thomas’s death left the crew in shock. Visibly shaken, Shaquille O’Neal shared a personal connection, calling Thomas “my guy.”
Shaquille O’Neal recalled how Kevin Thomas and the crew helped make his fun ideas happen, like finding birds or wigs for the show’s skits.
When he heard about Kevin’s passing, Shaq was in disbelief, saying,
“I heard it, but I didn’t want to believe it. I asked, ‘Who?’ They said, ‘Kevin.’ My Kevin.”
He sent his love and prayers to Kevin’s family, adding, “We’re all sad today, and I pray for his family.”
We offer our heartfelt condolences to Thomas’s wife, son, friends, colleagues, and extended family.
Rest Easy, Kevin Thomas!
