John Witherspoon comedian and Friday actor has died

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

A bit of sad news to report this morning. Comedian and actor John Witherspoon has passed away at the age of 77. Witherspoon's family reported the news earlier this morning on Twitter.

Witherspoon began his career in the 1960s as a model before quickly transitioning to comedy, with one of his first television appearances being The Richard Pryor Show in 1977. He became a frequent collaborator with the Wayans Brothers and Eddie Murphy starring in a variety of television shows, everything from L.A. Law to Black-ish. Witherspoon was also the voice of Robert "Granddad" Freeman on Cartoon Network's The Boondocks for nine years. John Witherspoon also had quite the successful film career debuting in a small role in Richard Fleischer's THE JAZZ SINGER, and continuing on with HOUSE PARTY, METEOR MAN, and BOOMERANG, where he often played boisterous over-the-top characters.

However, the Detroit native will probably best be remembered for playing Willie Jones, the father to actor Ice Cube's Craig in the films FRIDAY, NEXT FRIDAY, and FRIDAY AFTER NEXT. Witherspoon leaves behind his wife Angela and two sons, J.D. and Alexander.

Rest in peace Mr. Witherspoon.