Photo: Earl Gibson III/FilmMagic
Actor and comedian John Witherspoon, known to many for his role in theFridayfilms, has died. He was 77.
Late Tuesday night, Witherspoon’s familyrevealed the news in a statementposted on his Twitter account.
“He was a legend in the entertainment industry, and a father figure to all who watched him over the years. We love you ‘POPS’ always & forever,” the statement concluded.
Witherspoon died on Tuesday at his home in Sherman Oaks, California, according toDeadline.
His family further opened up to the outlet, saying, “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.”
A cause of death is not immediately clear.
John Davidspoke outabout his dad’s death, sharing a series of sweet childhood memories on Twitter.
“So… my Dad died today & honestly I’m not sure how to feel. I’m sad, but I’m also happy 4 all the great times we had together. We’d roast each other like homes more than Father & Son, and I really liked that. He was my best friend & idol,” John David expressed.
“Love U Dad… I’ll miss u,” he added.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1942, Witherspoon started his career doing stand-up comedy.
He later would go on to work in television in film, with 84 credits to his name including memorable roles inSoul Plane,The Tracy Morgan Show,The First Family,andBlack Jesus,as well as voice work inThe BoondocksandThe Proud Family.
His most memorable role was in the comedyFriday,alongsideIce CubeandChris Tucker.
Witherspoon played Cube’s father Willie Jones. He reprised the part in 2000’sNext Fridayand 2002’sFriday After Next.He was set to play the role in the upcoming fourth installmentLast Friday, which is currently in pre-production.
Other know Witherspoon as “Pops,” having played John Williams — the father ofMarlon WayansandShawn Wayans‘ characters onThe Wayans Bros,which ran from 1995 to 1999.
John Witherspoon.Johnny Nunez/WireImage
John Witherspoon and the cast of theTracy Morgan Show.Chris Haston/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
“My dad, my grandpa, my comedic inspiration!I love you Spoons! Rest In Paradise, King,”Regina King, who played both Huey and Riley Freeman onThe Boondocks, wrote.
Judd Apatow also paid tribute to Witherspoon, writing, “Pure funny. Hilarious and always kind. John Witherspoon will be missed.”
source: people.com
