in

Actor and comedian John Witherspoon, who appeared in 'Friday,' dies at 77 – NBC News, NBC News

Actor and comedian John Witherspoon, who appeared in 'Friday,' dies at 77 – NBC News, NBC News


Actor and comedian John Witherspoon, a notable figure in the “Friday” franchise and voice actor in the animated series “The Boondocks,” died at his home Los Angeles Tuesday at the age of

Manager Alex Goodman confirmed the news.

“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 from Goodman to NBC News.

“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. ”

Let our news meet your inbox. The news and stories that matters, delivered weekday mornings.

Witherspoon was born in Detroit in 1942 as John Weatherspoon and launched a stand-up and comedy career that began in the late 1970 s with television roles,according to the online news site Deadline, which reported Witherspoon’s death earlier Tuesday evening.

He appeared in 1980 ‘s “The Jazz Singer.” He starred as John “Pops” Williams in “The Wayans Bros.” television show and as Mr.

Witherspoon played the father figure Mr. Jackson in “Boomerang,” among many other film and TV roles. Jones alongside Ice Cube in the 1995 hit “Friday” and reprised his role in sequels “Next Friday” and “Friday After Next.”

Witherspoon also appeared in the 1995 Eddie Murphy film “Vampire in Brooklyn,” in which he played Silas Green, and in the 1988 film “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka. ” He also was a voice actor in the animated series “The Boondocks.”

He also appeared on “The Tracy Morgan Show” and more recently played Lloyd in the “Black Jesus” television series, according to film database IMDB.

The comedian Sinbad was among those mourning Witherspoon’s death Tuesday night,tweetingthat the actor and comedian was an inspiration and “one of my early heroes and a beautiful person.” Arsenio Hallsaidit was “heart wrenching news” and called Witherspoon “one of our comic brothers.”

Oscar-winning actress and director Regina Kingtweeted: “My dad, my grandpa, my comedic inspiration! I love you Spoons! Rest In Paradise , King. “

Director and producer Judd ApatowcalledWitherspoon“ Pure funny ”and“ Hilarious and always kind. ”

Comedian and actor David Alan Griertweeted:” RIP my brother. You Mannnnnnn this is a hard one. “

Diana Dasrath

Diana Dasrath is Entertainment Producer and Senior Reporter for NBC News covering all platforms.

Phil Helsel

Phil Helsel is a reporter for NBC News.

Brave Browser
Read More
Payeer

What do you think?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings

Graham rips House Dem resolution: 'An un-American process' – Fox News, Fox News

Graham rips House Dem resolution: 'An un-American process' – Fox News, Fox News

Pollution In Delhi: Herbal Teas And Other Ways To Reduce Cough, Cold And Other Health Risks – NDTV News, Ndtv.com

Pollution In Delhi: Herbal Teas And Other Ways To Reduce Cough, Cold And Other Health Risks – NDTV News, Ndtv.com