John Witherspoon, Beloved 'Friday' and 'The Wayans Bros.' Star, Dead at 77 - Granddad!

[The Last Stand]

John Witherspoon, Beloved Comic and 'Friday' Star, Dead a 77

The actor died at his home in Sherman Oaks on Tuesday.

www.etonline.com

John Witherspoon, Beloved 'Friday' and 'The Wayans Bros.' Star, Dead at 77
By Zach Seemayer‍ 10:12 PM PDT, October 29, 2019

Johnny Nunez/WireImage
Celebrated comic actor John Witherspoon, best known for his iconic role as Willie Jones in the Friday series, has died. He was 77.
“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," Witherspoon's family said in a statement to Deadline on Tuesday.

"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," the statement added. "John used to say ‘I’m no big deal’, but he was huge deal to us.”
Witherspoon began his stand-up comedy career in the 1970s, where he made friends with some of the biggest comics working in the industry at the time. His comedic talents opened the door to a storied screen career.

His biggest TV role came when he played the father to Shawn Wayans and Marlon Wayans on the WB sitcom The Wayans Bros. He also famously starred in Friday and its sequels, Next Friday and Friday After Next, which cemented his reputation as a beloved comic presence.
Actress Regina King took to‏ Twitter Tuesday evening to share her condolences, writing, "My dad, my grandpa, my comedic inspiration! I love you Spoons! Rest In Paradise, King."

Regina King

✔@ReginaKing
https://twitter.com/ReginaKing/status/1189402429843853313

My dad, my grandpa, my comedic inspiration! I love you Spoons! Rest In Paradise, King



8,953
12:43 AM - Oct 30, 2019
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Witherspoon is survived by his wife, Angela, and his sons, JD and Alexander.

End of Article​

What a hell of a guy. I remember laughing my ass off when I would see him on Friday, The Boondocks and recently Black Jesus. RIP Mr. Witherspoon.

At least he's with Charlie Murphy now. Wonder who will replace him as Granddad for the Boondocks?​

 

[Magic Sun Daddy]

No John, no Boondocks. I don't want anyone else to play Granddad.

 

[Chin of Campbell]

I hope he said No Homo before he died, just to be sure he could get into heaven.

RIP Grandad

 

[From The Uncanny Valley]

I JUST WATCHED FRIDAY FUCK

 

[Some JERK]

Damn. I saw him and his son on Joe Rogan's podcast not too long ago and he was as hilarious as ever.

He's stinking up the bathroom in heaven now. RIP.

 

[Kacho]

John Witherspoon is hilarious. Everything he did was an instant classic. One of the few celebrities I will ever be sad to lose and it actually hurts a little coming out of nowhere like this.

RIP and BANG BANG BANG, sir.

 

[The Pink Panther]

Huh.

A celebrity death that actually fucking sucks. Shit. RIP John Witherspoon. He was pretty fucking funny in most of the shit he was in. Good actor.

Edit: oh fuck that's right, he was the grandpa in Boondocks shit, shit, shit, what the fuck are they gonna do now for that reboot?

 

[kadoink]

Would have traded in Lady gagas life for another 2 years of him

 

[c-no]

F Robert Freeman. At least he doesn't have to deal with anymore of the bullshit from Huey and Riley.

Serioulsy though, RIP John WItherspoon.

 

[Sīn the Moon Daddy]

Big rip

I loved John. Been watching him for as long as I can remember, ever since in living color at least.

 

[Marissa Moira]

RIP Friday Black man loved ur music

 

[Damn Near]

Now who's gonna grab a dog, choke him, kick the shit out of him, all day long his foot up a dog's ass?

 

[edboy]

R.I.P. Can we get a sad rendition of the New Shoes song?

 

[Thank Fuck For Evil Otto]

Keenan Ivory Wayans looks a lot like the Yakub meme.

 

[Calooby]

Good night sweet king, nobody else can play granddad in the Boondocks.

 

[frozenrunner]

I think everything I ever saw Witherspoon in made me laugh. He was fucking hilarious. Maybe his son will play Grandad in the new version of The Boondocks?

A heartfelt R.I.P.