Hilarious actor-comedian, John Witherspoon who for decades made audiences laugh in television shows and films, including the hit 'Friday' franchise and the Wayans Brothers, died suddenly at his home. He was 77 years old.
“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.”
Witherspoon was born in Detroit in 1942 as John Weatherspoon. Witherspoon appeared in numerous films, including Boomerang, Vampire in Brooklyn, I’m Gonna Get You Sucka, Bird and The Meteor Man.
Witherspoon was perhaps best known for his role as Ice Cube’s grumpy dad in Friday. He was also known for his role as Pops on The Wayans Bros.