Prolific actor and comedian John Witherspoon passed away at the age of 77.
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.
— John Witherspoon (@John_POPS_Spoon) October 30, 2019
– The Witherspoon Family pic.twitter.com/ov9P34kaMn
“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.”
The prolific actor made us laugh for decades in cult classic films including Friday, Boomerang, House Party, Vampire in Brooklyn and I Got the Hookup. Witherspoon portrayed some of TV’s most beloved characters in hit television series like The Boondocks, Black Jesus, The Proud Family, The Tracy Morgan Show, Bojack Horseman, The First Family and of course as “Pops” in the The Wayans Bros.
Following the reports of his death – Celebrities took to social media to share their condolences and cherished memories of the Detroit-born actor.
My dad, my grandpa, my comedic inspiration! I love you Spoons! Rest In Paradise, King pic.twitter.com/U6GsNrrKXF
— Regina King (@ReginaKing) October 30, 2019
I’m devastated over the passing of John Witherspoon. Life won’t be as funny without him. pic.twitter.com/gtmiZiEppP
— Ice Cube (@icecube) October 30, 2019
The world has lost a true comedy legend and all around genuine soul, who paved the way for so many of us to be able to do what we love. My deepest condolences to John’s family. I know he’s already up there makin everyone laugh ?? #rip #comedy #legend #JohnWitherspoon pic.twitter.com/mKzXUGK8Uw
— Martin Lawrence (@realmartymar) October 30, 2019
RIP to a legend.
Photo Credit: (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images)
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