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Comedic actor John Witherspoon dies in Sherman Oaks at age 77

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The name may not sound familiar, but the comedic delivery of actor John Witherspoon was recognizable, especially in movies and shows featuring African-Americans. The actor, who played Willie Jones, the father of Ice Cube’s character in the “Friday” film trilogy and as John “Pops” Williams In the WB comedy “The Wayans Brothers” died Tuesday at his Sherman Oaks home at the age of 77.

A cause of death was not immediately given.

“I’m sad, but I’m also happy 4 all the great times we had together,” tweeted Witherspoon’s son John David Witherspoon. “We’d roast each other like homies more than Father & Son, and I really liked that. He was my best friend & my idol.

“Love U Dad…I’ll miss u.”

Born John Weatherspoon in Detroit, he began his career in the 1960s, performing as an actor, comedian and occasional model.

Witherspoon made his first television appearance in 1970 on an episode of “Barnaby Jones,“ and later appeared in episodes of  “Good Times,“ “What’s Happening!!“ and “The Incredible Hulk.“

He also appeared in 1977 on “The Richard “Pryor Show.” He also appeared in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “The Tracy Morgan Show” and “The Boondocks,” where he voiced Robert “Granddad“ Freeman.

Witherspoon’s film credits included “Boomerang,” “Little Nicky,” “Hollywood Shuffle,” “House Party,” “Vampire in Brooklyn,” “The Five Heartbeats” and “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka.”

He regularly performed his stand-up comedy over the years. Witherspoon also wrote a film, “From the Old School,” in which he played an elderly working man who tries to prevent a neighborhood convenience store from being developed into a strip club.

“I’m devastated over the passing of John Witherspoon,” Ice Cube wrote. “Life won’t be as funny without him.”

Witherspoon was expected to reprise his role of in “Last Friday,“ the upcoming final installment in the “Friday” franchise.

“My dad, my grandpa, my comedic inspiration! I love you Spoons! Rest in Paradise, King.” tweeted actress Regina King, who co-starred with Witherspoon in “The Boondocks.”

Marlon Wayans, in his tweet, said: “I’m sad. Broken. Hurt… yet extremely grateful to God that I got to spend five years of my life working with one of the funniest sweetest wisest humblest loving man johnwitherspoon you were my tv dad and my mentor…”

Jackee Harry also tweeted about the actor: “I’m absolutely shattered at the news of my great friend John Witherspoon passing. May love surround his entire family and fan base.”

Witherspoon is survived by his wife, Angela Robinson-Witherspoon, whom he marred in 1988; their two children, Alexander Witherspoon and John David Witherspoon and an extended family.

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