RIP John Witherspoon

John Witherspoon, an actor-comedian who for decades made audiences laugh in television shows and films, including the hit Friday franchise, died suddenly at his home today. He was 77. Even with his busy film and TV career, standup comedy remained an important part of Witherspoon’s life. At age 77, he continued to perform regularly and had several dates coming up at the time of his death. R.I.P. John  Witherspoon’s family revealed that he had died via a social media post on Tuesday. “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 provided to Deadline. “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.”

Witherspoon remained a touring stand-up comedian up until his death. He was best known for his role in Friday and its sequels, Next Friday and Friday After Next, playing Ice Cube’s father. He was expected to reprise his role for the long-gestating fourth Friday film, Last Friday. His other film credits also include Hollywood Shuffle, Boomerang, Vampire In Brooklyn, I'm Gonna Get You Sucka, House Party, and Soul Plane. In addition to The Boondocks, his television credits include appearances on The Richard Pryor Show, The Incredible Hulk, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Living Single, The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tracy Morgan Show, Black-ish, Black Dynamite, and Black Jesus.