Legendary Actor & Comedian John Witherspoon Dead At 77

Comedian John Witherspoon Dies At Age 77

The sad incident happened late Tuesday night, Witherspoon’s family revealed in a statement posted on his Twitter account that the star had passed away.

I’m reporting this new with a heavy heart that John Witherspoon, a legendary actor and comedian most popular for his role in ‘Friday Fame’ has passed away.

“It is with deep sadness we have to tweet this, but our husband & father John Witherspoon has passed away,” the tweet read, which was accompanied by a photo of Witherspoon smiling widely.

“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 statement concluded.

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

He is survived by his wife Angela, whom he married in 1988, and his sons Alexander and John David Witherspoon.

John David also took to twitter to mourn his dad’s death, sharing a series of sweet childhood memories.

“So… my Dad died today & honestly I’m not sure how to feel. I’m sad, but I’m also happy 4 all the great times we had together. We’d roast each other like homes more than Father & Son, and I really liked that. He was my best friend & idol,” John David expressed.

“Love U Dad… I’ll miss u,” he tweeted.

So…my Dad died today & honestly I’m not sure how to feel. I’m sad, but I’m also happy 4 all the great times we had together. We’d roast each other like homies more than Father & Son, and I really liked that. He was my best friend & my idol.

Love U Dad…I’ll miss u.

– J.D. pic.twitter.com/zvzep5S11I

— J.D. (@jdwitherspoon) October 30, 2019

The late Detroit star is known for a variety of characters he’s played throughout the years including his roles in Friday, House Party, Hollywood Shuffle, I’m Gonna Get You Sucka, I Got the Hook-Up, I Got the Hook-Up 2, The Meteor Man, Bulworth, The Richard Pryor Show, 227, Good Times, The Tracy Morgan Show, The Boondocks, and The Wayans Bros.

John Witherspoon’s cause of death is yet unknown to the public.

Friends and fans of the actor sent their condolences to Witherspoon’s loved ones while sharing their appreciation of the comedian on social media.

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

🎤 This day began with such joy.
And it’s ending with this heart wrenching news of John Witherspoon’s passing. One of our comic brothers. 🌹 RIP pic.twitter.com/efSqqw6BHJ

— Arsenio Hall (@ArsenioHall) October 30, 2019

John Witherspoon forever ❤️

— Ari Lennox (@AriLennox) October 30, 2019

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

My heart hurts so much right now, RIP to John Witherspoon,I appreciate our conversations and the wisdom you gave me as a young comic, we lost a real one today and It’d be remiss to not say he was and is irreplaceable and a invaluable icon in the comedic community sleep easy man😥 pic.twitter.com/whOsWNq3t0

— Jay Pharoah (@JayPharoah) October 30, 2019

R.I.P. John Witherspoon. You will be remembered forever! we are going to miss you grandpa. pic.twitter.com/t5LXwDdh1D

— ⁶Sith (@deep_dab) October 30, 2019

Y’all…. John Witherspoon gone pic.twitter.com/xvcAKJRAzu

— Phineas and the WORD….of God (@NOTKarltonBanks) October 30, 2019

Bruh, wtf. Rest in peace John Witherspoon. I’m genuinely hurt.

— CHIKA (@oranicuhh) October 30, 2019