John Witherspoon, Comedian And ‘Friday’ Actor, Dies At 77

(Photo Source: ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

Remembering the late comedy actor

John Witherspoon, an actor-comedian known for his role in the hit “Friday” feature franchise, died suddenly at his home today. He was 77.

Witherspoon’s family said in a statement: “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 is survived by his wife Angela, and his sons JD, Alexander, and a large family.

Witherspoon was born in Detroit in 1942. He began his stand-up comedy and acting career in the late 1970s guest-starring in TV roles, but he made his feature debut in the 1980 “The Jazz Singer.” The actor later went on to appear in a number of films such as “Hollywood Shuffle,” “Boomerang” and “Vampire in Brooklyn.”

However, Witherspoon was famously known for his role as Ice Cube’s grumpy dad in the 1995 breakout hit “Friday.” He also appeared in the sequels “Next Friday” and” Friday After Next.” The actor-comedian was expected to reprise his role in the final installment of the franchise titled “Last Friday.”

Up until his death, Witherspoon maintained his stand-up comedy, performing regularly and even scheduled to have shown right up until his passing.

By: Maytinee Kramer