Actor/comedian John Witherspoon, widely known as Ice Cube’s father in the Friday film franchise, has reportedly passed away.
According to Deadline, the 77-year-old died at his Sherman Oaks, California home on Tuesday (October 29). Witherspoon’s family confirmed the news in a statement.
“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,” the family said. “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 family also shared an Instagram post about Witherspoon’s death.
“It is with deep sadness we have to tweet this, but our husband & father John Witherspoon has passed away,” they wrote. “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.”
Witherspoon starred in the original Friday film, which was released in 1995. He also appeared in the sequels Next Friday and Friday After Next. He was expected to reprise his role in upcoming final installment of the franchise, Last Friday.
Born in Detroit in 1942, Witherspoon launched a stand-up comedy career and began acting in the late ’70s with guest-starring television roleS. In 1980, he made his feature debut in the The Jazz Singer.
Witherspoon’s other films include the 1988 cult classic I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, Bird and The Meteor Man. He also voiced the animated character “Gramps” on The Boondocks.
No cause of death has been revealed as of publication time.
Damn. This is why muthafuckas need to do projects together more as they get older. Got damnit. Friday aint friday without him. RIP.
there will be no more friday movies unfortunately…
There hasn’t been a week in thirty years I haven’t drawn attention to someone else being in the kitchen prior to me. Rip the most quoted man of my youth 🙁
RIP Pops. Comedy gold for decades.
Man I really hope he was able to finish recording his lines for the new season of Boondocks. It’ll never be the same without him. Rest In Peace Pops.
To be honest, one of the funniest but also underappreciated comedians/actors of all time…May he rest in peace
One love. RIP.
How I know white people dont know us how y’all forget the one show he was memorable for y’all vulture the shot of our culture
We all need to remember that John Witherspoon was a bigot, a racist and a homophobe. We should protest at his funeral to show the world that his views were unacceptable in 2019.
Anytime someone uses the word bigot, you can be sure they are a cucked little sensitive ass bitch. Even if your right, I still hate u for your choice of “trendy” words. Nobody ever used that word til freaking 2015, then the media taught you your speaking points.
Another white person trying to deflect the shameful past and present of his race’s horrible injustices. Hypocrisy at its finest.
Eat a sack of baby dix u Stoopid mofo
We all need to remember sjws like you are well on their way to becoming irrelevant, and a lot quicker than you think. Here’s a history lesson for you mouth breathers. Back in the 80s and 90s societey told bible belt conservative douche bags to get fucked after decades of them telling us how to think, well guess what motherfucker it’s 2019, the world’s even smaller now and you shit for brains moonbats are wearing your welcome out way way quicker than the indignant self righteous right did and thank fuck for that.
Reese Witherspoon’s father. RIP
I’m legitimately sad right now. Rip.
Ain’t that a bitch! Craig getting fired on his off day. RIP Legend. An epitome of the word.
He was funny in everything I ever saw him in especially the Wayans Brothers. His mannerisms, his little sayings, even his clothes.
RIP Pops! You better wear your best out fit in heaven. Remember you gots to coordinate!
RIP GRAND DAD
Underrated and under appreciated. He up there wit Eddie Pryor and Mooney in my book. They can gon and cancel the Boondocks reboot cuz I ain’t watchin it without his voice. This man taught me how to coordinate. RIP
Ive been sad all morning still trying to process John Witherspoon is gone I had the pleasure of seeing this brotha 4 times in concert. At the comedy zone in Charlotte nc and each time I saw him he was so funny and holy everything he said his facial expressions he was just like Bernie mac and all the black comedy greats he was a legend from day one very underrated rest of peace my brotha always gonna keep your legacy alive you may be gone but near forgotten I know you got all the angels laughing in heaven doing your pops dance lol
Another one bites the dust!
Everytime I come in the kitchen…you in the kitchen..eatin up all the food
Damn r.i.p now who gonna voice gran dad man the good ones keep goin
Rest in peace pops!!!!
I smelled your shit for 22 years; now you can smell mine for 5 minutes