The entertainment industry and movie lovers are in mourning following the sudden death of veteran actor cum stand up comedian John Witherspoon.
His death was announced by his close family member through his official Twitter account.
According to the tweet, the 77-year-old, “Friday” movie star died yesterday at his Sherman Oaks home. However, the cause of death is yet to be announced.
“It is with the deepest sorrow that we can confirm our beloved husband and father, John Witherspoon, one of the hardest working men in show business, died today,” the actor’s 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.”
He is survived by his wife Angela, and his sons JD and Alexander.
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 is best known for his role as Willie Jones in the Friday movies and for voicing Robert Jedediah ‘grandad’ freeman in The Boondocks.
He also played roles in cult films such as House Party and Meteor Man as well as Hollywood movies like Vampire in Brooklyn, Bulworth and Dr. Doolittle 2.
Led by Radio Presenter Maina Kageni, Kenyans, joined the rest of the world in the morning the sudden death of Witherspoon online.
“Sad news this morning. RIP John Witherspoon …one of the best actors I’ve ever known. Remembering the movie ‘Friday’ #Legend#RIP #ripPops,” said Maina.
REST IN LOVE, Pops! Although John Witherspoon was most notably known for his roles in “Friday,” “Next Friday,” “Last Friday,” and “The Boondocks,” he made you laugh till’ your sides hurt in every role he played. Here’s a thread of pure funny. ⬇️ #JohnWitherspoon #RIP pic.twitter.com/V3Y4vzCdP3
— ShakariSBriggs (@ShakariSBriggs) October 30, 2019
R.I.P. John Witherspoon, you will be missed pic.twitter.com/hRIiHApsin
— J Bolt⚽️🎞 (@TheJBolt) October 30, 2019
John Witherspoon… R.I.P King I know u in heaven doing that dance Bang Bang Bang! 🙏🙌😔 pic.twitter.com/M48zWVPVwy
— C.Denson (@mdenson335) October 30, 2019
Rest In Peace to John Witherspoon A legend ! Thank you for spreading Joy throughout the world 🙏🏾
— Mark Phillips (@SupremeDreams_1) October 30, 2019
RIP John Witherspoon prayers to family & friends pic.twitter.com/NEeGEYQoUI
— Cory Machado (@RealCoryMachado) October 30, 2019
And who had better dance moves than John Witherspoon?!?! I’m sure he’s cutting a rug in heaven with the rest of the greats. Rest easy, Pops. You’ll be missed, but your legacy will live on forever. #JohnWitherspoon #GoneButNotForgotten #TheWayansBros @MarlonWayans pic.twitter.com/XIH1iU2WSH
— ShakariSBriggs (@ShakariSBriggs) October 30, 2019
John Witherspoon delivering one of the most legendary lines in film history pic.twitter.com/RhxgqdJEJh
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) October 30, 2019