Friday Actor and Comedian John Witherspoon Dies Aged 77

Hollywood is mourning yet again the loss of another legendary star. The versatile, well-known actor and comedian John Witherspoon, who played Ice Cube's father, finally bid goodbye at the age of 77 on Tuesday in Los Angeles. John Witherspoon is best known in his TV shows and films including his role as a father in the comedy trilogy 'Friday, Next Friday, and Friday After Next.'

In a report published in Reuters, the family expressed their love to their father through a tweet and referred to him as 'pops,' which he got from his popular role as John 'Pops' Williams in the long-running sitcom 'The Wayan Bros.' His family added that he was a legend in the entertainment industry and a father figure to all those who watched him over the years.

Celebrities also expressed their mourning and sympathy with the family of John Witherspoon. Academy Award-winning actress Regina King tweeted and described Witherspoon as her dad, grandpa, and comedic inspiration. In another report in The Guardian, Ice Cube tweeted that life will not be funny anymore without John Witherspoon. His manager Alex Goodman also confirmed his death but as of now, the cause of death is still withheld.

Stars and fans alike felt the heavy loss of another great actor. As a comedian and actor, John Witherspoon has a prolific career. Throughout his entire career, Witherspoon has touched the hearts of many fans with his remarkable roles. People will remember him for his roles in 'Brooklyn,' 'Boomerang,' and his appearances on the 'Late Show with David Letterman.'

His most recognizable role was Pops as Ice Cube's father in the comedy Friday in its two sequels who played as a crude but affectionate father trying to guide his son to be better. And he would have likely to return in its upcoming revival on HBO Max.

John Witherspoon was born on January 27, 1942 in Detroit who launched a stand-up comedy career and began acting in the late 1970s. He made his debut in 1980 in the The Jazz Singer. He also appeared in numerous films like Hollywood Shuffle. Boomerang, Vampire in Rooklyn, and the Ladies Man and Fakin' Da Funk. He also did stints in comedy series such as The Tracy Morgan Show and The First Family and Black Jesus

Behind his busy film and TV career, John Witherspoon still managed his important role as a husband and father in his family. With his passing, his family made a statement that it is with their deepest sorrow that they confirm the death of their beloved husband and father who was described by the family as 'one of the hardest working men in the TV and film industry' who died in his home.

In addition to that, his family also mentioned that he was surived by his wife Angela, his sons JD and Alexander, and a large member of his family. Witherspoon's family is asking for privacy from his fans as they celebrate his works and legacy.

John Witherspoon used to say that he is not a big deal, but in his passing, he will surely leave a lasting legacy in the film industry. His funeral will be held on November 5 in Los Angelesat Forest Lawn.

Read more: John Witherspoon Dies: 'Friday' & 'Wayans Bros.' Star Was 77, John Witherspoon, Friday actor and comedian, dies aged 77 and 'Friday' actor John Witherspoon dies aged 77