John Witherspoon, a comedian who made fans laugh for years in Tv series and movies such as the Friday film trilogy and the WB’s The Wayans Bros., passed unexpectedly at his home today. His age was 77.
“It is with great sadness that we must inform you that our beloved husband and father, John Witherspoon, one of the hardest working men in show business, passed away today at his home in Sherman Oaks at the age of 77, he is survived by his wife Angela, and his sons JD, Alexander, and a large family. We are all in shock, please give us a minute for a moment in privacy and we will celebrate his life and his work together. John used to say ‘I’m no big deal’, but he was a huge deal to us.” His family stated in a statement.
Who was John Witherspoon?
John Witherspoon was born in 1942 in Detroit, Michigan. He began his acting profession in the late 1970s with guest-starring TV appearances before making his feature debut in the 1980 film The Jazz Singer. Hollywood Shuffle, Boomerang, Vampire in Brooklyn, The Ladies Man, and Fakin’ Da Funk are just a few of Witherspoon’s movies.
John Witherspoon is most remembered for playing Ice Cube‘s cranky father in the 1995 smash single Friday. He also starred in the sequels Next Friday and Friday After Next and was set to recast his part in the franchise’s long-awaited conclusion, Last Friday.
Gramps in the cult cartoon comedy The Boondocks was also performed by John Witherspoon. He would have most definitely reappeared for the show’ forthcoming HBO Max reboot. John Witherspoon is most known for starring as Pops on The Wayans Brothers, although he has also been on The Tracy Morgan Show, The First Family, and Black Jesus. He was also a regular appearance on David Letterman’s Late Show.
Despite John Witherspoon’s hectic film and television success, Witherspoon continued to perform standup comedy. He continued to play frequently until the age of 77 and had numerous appearances scheduled at the time of his passing.
A ceremony and memorial service will be held in Los Angeles.
