The Tragic Timeline Of Famous In Raising Kanan: 5 Shocking Theories On Who Killed Kanan's Best Friend

The fate of Shawn "Famous" Figueroa, Kanan Stark's loyal best friend and aspiring rapper, has finally been addressed in the latest episodes of Power Book III: Raising Kanan. As of December 2025, the show has delivered a devastating and ambiguous update, confirming the character’s tragic exit and leaving fans with a chilling whodunit that will define the narrative of Season 4 and beyond. The mystery surrounding Famous’s disappearance and subsequent implied death has become one of the most talked-about plot points, shifting the dynamic between Kanan and the Thomas family.

The character, played by the talented Antonio Ortiz, was a crucial tether to Kanan's humanity outside the drug game, making his vanishing act at the end of Season 3 and his confirmed demise in Season 4 a shocking development. His story arc serves as a brutal reminder of how the world of Raq Thomas ultimately consumes everyone connected to Kanan Stark, even those who try to stay on the periphery of the drug business.

The Man Behind the Music: Antonio Ortiz Biography

Famous, whose full character name is Shawn Figueroa, was brought to life by actor Antonio Ortiz. Ortiz's portrayal of the earnest, slightly naive, and musically gifted young man provided much-needed levity and heart to the often-dark series.

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• Birth Name: Antonio Ortiz (often nicknamed AJAY)
• Birth Place: New York City, New York, United States
• Profession: Actor
• Early Career: Ortiz began acting at a very young age, demonstrating a passion for performance early in his life.
• Key Roles: His most notable roles include Shawn "Famous" Figueroa in Power Book III: Raising Kanan, a role that gained him widespread recognition within the "Power" universe.
• Other Credits: He has also appeared in films such as 3 Generations (2015) alongside Elle Fanning and Naomi Watts, and the musical drama Vox Lux (2018) starring Natalie Portman. He also had an early role in the children's show Blue's Room.
• Impact on *Raising Kanan*: Ortiz's character was vital, serving as Kanan’s conscience and a symbol of the legitimate life Kanan could have had outside of Raq's influence and the drug trade.

The Shocking Confirmation: What Happened to Famous in Season 4?

The immediate question on every fan's mind after Famous disappeared at the end of Season 3 was whether he was dead, in hiding, or simply moved away from Queens. The latest installments of Raising Kanan Season 4 have provided a grim answer, though the full details remain intentionally obscured to build suspense.

Famous's Absence and The Discovery

Famous was last seen on-screen at the conclusion of Season 3, where his situation was becoming increasingly perilous. His attempts to make it as a legitimate rapper were constantly undermined by the criminal elements surrounding Kanan. His disappearance was noted by Kanan Stark, who grew increasingly concerned about his friend's safety.

In a major plot development in Raising Kanan Season 4, the show strongly implies, and in some fan circles confirms, that Famous is dead. The most chilling evidence came from the discovery of a body, found off-screen, which is heavily suggested to be Famous.

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The absence of an on-screen death scene is a deliberate narrative choice, designed to amplify the mystery and psychological toll on Kanan, who is now left to grapple with the guilt and the need for revenge without the closure of knowing exactly how his friend died or who was responsible.

The Tragic Arc of Shawn Figueroa

Famous's story is a classic tragedy of the "Power" universe: an innocent trying to survive in a world of killers. His life was constantly on a downward spiral, fueled by his association with Kanan and the Thomas family's criminal enterprise.

• The Snitch Theory: For a long time, the show hinted that Famous might become a snitch, a common fate for characters caught between the streets and the law. This was a major point of tension and speculation among fans.
• The Crystal Connection: Famous's relationship with Crystal also placed him in danger, as he was often forced to deal with situations far beyond his capabilities.
• The Final Straw: His efforts to distance himself from Kanan’s world were ultimately too late. The show uses Famous’s death as a catalyst, pushing Kanan further down the path toward becoming the ruthless killer fans know from the original *Power* series.

The Prime Suspects: 5 Shocking Theories on Who Killed Famous

With the body found, the central focus of Raising Kanan Season 4 shifts to the identity of the killer. Fan theories are rampant, centering on major characters who had both motive and opportunity to eliminate Kanan's best friend. This investigation into Famous's death is set to be the emotional core of Kanan's journey.

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1. Marvin Thomas (The Utilitarian Theory)

Marvin is a prime suspect, and some clues from Season 4 Episode 5 reportedly point towards him. Marvin is the family's enforcer, known for his brutality and his cold, calculating approach to protecting Raq's operation. His motive would be purely utilitarian: Famous was a liability, a loose end, or potentially a threat to Kanan's commitment to the family business. Eliminating Famous would be a way to sever Kanan's last ties to a "normal" life and ensure his full loyalty to the Thomas organization.

2. Raq Thomas (The Calculated Betrayal Theory)

Raq is the ultimate chess master, and she has proven she will eliminate anyone—even family—who threatens her empire or her control over Kanan. If Raq believed Famous was a snitch, a distraction, or simply a weakness that Kanan needed to shed to become a true soldier, she would not hesitate. The killing would be a calculated move to "toughen up" Kanan, forcing him to accept the brutal reality of the life she has chosen for him. This theory aligns perfectly with Raq’s character as the ultimate puppet master.

3. Unique (The Revenge/Collateral Damage Theory)

While Unique is currently dealing with his own set of problems, he has a long-standing beef with the Thomas family and Kanan himself. Famous could have been collateral damage in a hit meant for Kanan, or perhaps Unique sought revenge by targeting Kanan's weakest link—his best friend. Unique’s return to the game and his volatile nature make him a constant threat, and a revenge killing would be a major escalation of the turf war.

4. An Old Enemy Seeking Revenge (The Blowback Theory)

One compelling theory suggests that Famous's death is the result of blowback from Kanan's past actions, or a resurfacing old enemy seeking revenge on the Thomas family. The world of Raising Kanan is filled with rivals, from rival drug dealers to enemies made during the war against the Italians. Famous, as Kanan’s known associate, could have been an easy target for someone looking to send a message to Kanan or Raq.

5. Kanan Himself (The Dark Transformation Theory)

This is the darkest and most unlikely theory, but one that would complete Kanan's transformation into the villain of the original *Power*. If Famous became a snitch (as was alluded to), Kanan might have been forced to kill him to protect himself and his family. The act of killing his own best friend would be the final, devastating step in Kanan's journey to becoming a cold-blooded killer, making Famous's death the ultimate sacrifice to the streets.

The Long-Term Impact on Kanan Stark

Famous's death is not just a character exit; it is a pivotal plot device. It is the final nail in the coffin of Kanan Stark's innocence. The loss of his best friend, the person who represented a life of music and non-violence, will undoubtedly push Kanan further into the dark side of the drug trade.

This event will serve as a major catalyst for Kanan's actions in the remainder of Season 4 and into the confirmed Season 5. Kanan's revenge will likely be swift and brutal, and the identity of Famous’s killer will be the key to unlocking Kanan's future ruthlessness. Whether the killer is Marvin, Raq, or Unique, the fallout will irrevocably change the Thomas family dynamic, setting the stage for the adult Kanan Stark known for his chilling betrayal and murderous ambition.

As Power Book III: Raising Kanan continues to air on Starz, fans should brace themselves for a brutal reveal. The mystery of who killed Famous is not just about a body; it’s about destroying Kanan’s last connection to a moral life, ensuring his destiny as a legendary figure in the criminal underworld.