‘Friday’ Actor John Witherspoon Dead at 77
Actor and comedian John Witherspoon, best known for his role in the Friday movies, has died at the age of 77.
His manager confirmed his passing in a statement from the family late 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,” the statement read.
“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’s career began as a stand-up comedian, but he moved onto TV and movies beginning in the late 1970s.
His role as Ice Cube’s dog-catching father in the Friday movies brought him his biggest acclaim.
In this iconic scene from the film, Witherspoon complains to his son.
He also appeared in The Jazz Singer, Boomerang, I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, and the TV show “The Wayans Bros.”
As word spread of his passing, his friends and peers mourned him on Twitter.
Our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of John Witherspoon.
