You know the line. Even if you’ve never sat through the 1995 cult classic, you’ve seen the meme. It’s the ultimate internet brush-off, a two-word death blow to anyone being annoying: "Bye, Felicia." But while the phrase became a permanent fixture of our digital vocabulary, the actual human being who played Felicia in Friday essentially vanished from the Hollywood spotlight not long after the movie’s release.
Her name is Angela Means.
Most people assume she was just some random extra or a local they found on the street to play the neighborhood "crackhead" asking to borrow a VCR. Honestly, that couldn't be further from the truth. Angela was a high-fashion model and a professional comedian who made a very deliberate, very quiet exit from the industry to do something way more interesting than chasing sequels.
Who is Angela Means?
Before she was getting kicked off Craig’s porch, Angela Means was walking runways. She started her career in the early 90s, modeling in Milan and New York. She was tall, striking, and had a look that screamed high-end fashion.
When the role for Friday came up, she didn't just show up and read lines. She actually created a whole backstory for Felicia. To get into character, she reportedly stopped showering for a few days, chewed her fingernails down to the nubs, and didn't sleep much. She wanted the character to feel lived-in, not like a caricature. Ice Cube and DJ Pooh (the writers) gave her the space to make Felicia more than just a punchline, though the world eventually turned her into one anyway.
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The "Bye Felicia" Phenomenon
It’s kinda wild to think about, but that iconic line wasn't even meant to be a "thing." In the script, it was just a throwaway dismissal. Ice Cube (Craig) was just tired of her asking for stuff.
The phrase didn't really explode until about 2014, nearly two decades after the movie came out. Suddenly, it was everywhere—from RuPaul's Drag Race to CNN. For Angela, seeing her face associated with a "dirty" character while the world laughed was a bit of a double-edged sword. She’s mentioned in interviews that she loves the fans, but she also reminds people that Felicia was a human being struggling in a tough neighborhood.
Life After South Central: Where is she now?
So, where did she go? She didn't "fall off." She stepped away.
Angela’s biggest priority was her son, Brad Kaaya. If that name sounds familiar to sports fans, it’s because he grew up to be a star quarterback for the University of Miami and was later drafted into the NFL. Angela basically dedicated her life to being a "sports mom," driving him to practices and ensuring he had a stable life away from the chaos of the entertainment industry.
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But her second act is arguably cooler than her first.
From Actress to Vegan Chef
Angela Means is now a professional chef. And not just any chef—she’s a massive advocate for vegan soul food. She opened the Jackfruit Cafe in Los Angeles, which eventually moved and expanded. She’s often seen behind the counter herself, serving up jackfruit tacos and plant-based soul food.
She grew up on a farm in Michigan, so she’s always had a connection to the land and where food comes from. For her, the transition from Hollywood to the kitchen was about healing. She wanted to bring healthy, affordable food to communities that are often "food deserts."
In 2024 and 2025, she’s been active in Texas, continuing her culinary journey and animal activism. She’s a long way from the disheveled character on the porch. She’s healthy, she’s thriving, and she’s at peace with her legacy.
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Why her story matters in 2026
We live in a world where everyone wants to be famous forever. Angela Means did the opposite. She took her "15 minutes," turned it into a timeless cultural moment, and then walked away to raise a successful son and feed her community.
When you look at who played Felicia in Friday, you aren't just looking at a meme. You're looking at a woman who understood that Hollywood is a business, but family and health are a life.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
- Watch the original Friday: If you’ve only seen the memes, go back and watch her performance. She brings a lot of physical comedy to a very short amount of screen time.
- Follow the food: If you’re ever in the areas where she’s cooking (check her Jackfruit Cafe socials), the food is legit. It’s a great example of how to pivot careers successfully.
- Respect the artist: Remember that the "Bye Felicia" girl is actually a classically trained performer and a business owner.
Next time you type that famous phrase into a comment section, remember the woman behind the braids. She’s doing just fine without the cameras.
Next Steps for You
If you want to dive deeper into the history of 90s cult cinema, you should look into the production of Friday. It was filmed in just 20 days on a shoestring budget. You can also track Angela's current projects through her official social media channels where she shares vegan recipes and updates on her cafe.