John Witherspoon, the comedian who appeared in dozens of hilarious and beloved movies over the course of his career, died Tuesday at the age of 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 told Deadline in a statement. “John used to say ‘I’m no big deal’, but he was huge deal to us.” Witherspoon is perhaps best known for his role as Willie Jones in the Friday franchise. He also voiced Robert Jebediah “Grandad” Freeman on The Boondocks and played John “Pops” Williams on the sitcom The Wayans Bros. His movie credits include Hollywood Shuffle, Boomerang, Vampire In Brooklyn, I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, House Party, and Soul Plane. Witherspoon was recently featured on Chance the Rapper’s The Big Day album.
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
