*Actor-comedian John Witherspoon, best known for his role in the “Friday” franchise, died suddenly at his home on Tuesday (Oct. 29). He was 77.
In a message posted to Witherspoon’s Twitter account, the family confirmed his death.
“It is with deepest sorrow that we can confirm our beloved husband and father, John Witherspoon, one of the hardest working men in show business, died today at his home in Sherman Oaks at the age of 77,” Witherspoon’s family said in a statement to Deadline. “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 huge deal to us.”
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It is with deep sadness we have to tweet this, but our husband & father John Witherspoon has passed away. 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 Witherspoon Family pic.twitter.com/ov9P34kaMn
— John Witherspoon (@John_POPS_Spoon) October 30, 2019
Witherspoon was born in Detroit in 1942 and launched his stand-up comedy and acting career in the late 1970s. He made his feature debut in the 1980 flick “The Jazz Singer,” and would go on to appear in numerous films, including “Hollywood Shuffle,” “Boomerang,” “Vampire in Brooklyn,” “I’m Gonna Get You Sucka,” and “The Meteor Man.”
Witherspoon was best known for his role as Ice Cube’s father in “Friday,” and was expected to reprise his role in the final installment of the franchise titled “Last Friday.”
He also voiced Gramps on the animated series “The Boondocks.”
Witherspoon is survived by his wife, Angela, and sons JD and Alexander.
In a tweet, JD remembered the good times with his father, writing: “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 homies more than Father & Son, and I really liked that. He was my best friend & my idol.”
At the time of this report, no cause of death was released.
Witherspoon was reportedly scheduled to perform a series of dates at the Stand Up Live in Huntsville, Alabama next month.
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 homies more than Father & Son, and I really liked that. He was my best friend & my idol.
Love U Dad…I’ll miss u.
– J.D. pic.twitter.com/zvzep5S11I
— J.D. (@jdwitherspoon) October 30, 2019
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