Hollywood is mourning the sudden death of John Witherspoon.
The comedic actor, best known for his role as Pops on The Wayans Brothers and Craig’s father in the Friday film series, has tragically passed away at the age of 77.
Witherspoon’s family shared the sad news with an official statement on Twitter Tuesday night, alongside a beautiful photo of the late thespian. Read their message to fans (below):
“It is with deep sadness we have to tweet this, but our husband & father John Witherspoon has passed away. He was a Legend in the entertainment industry, and a father figure to all who watched him over the years. We love you ‘POPS’ always & forever.
– The Witherspoon Family”
According to initial reports from Deadline, the star died at his home in Sherman Oaks, California, although no official cause of death has been confirmed.
A different joint family statement to the outlet reads (below):
“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 a huge deal to us.”
So so sad.
Witherspoon was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1942 and began his storied career doing stand-up comedy in the 1960s before seriously pursuing acting just a decade later. His film and television credits include Soul Plane, The Tracy Morgan Show, The First Family, and Black Jesus, as well as voiceover work in The Boondocks and The Proud Family.
Most recently, the star was hosting his own cooking web series on YouTube called Cooking For Poor People where he’d craft delicious meals on a budget while delivering the comedic flair and one-liners he was known for.
Witherspoon is survived by his wife Angela Robinson-Witherspoon, whom he married in 1988, and his sons Alexander and John David Witherspoon.
John David spoke out about his father’s passing, sharing a heartfelt message and series of sweet childhood photos together on Twitter. He shared:
“So…my Dad died today & honestly I’m not sure how to feel. I’m sad, but I’m also happy 4 all the great times we had together. 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.- J.D.”
After news of Witherspoon’s death broke, several stars also took to social media to express their condolences.
Marlon Wayans paid tribute to his TV dad with a lengthy message on Instagram, writing (below):
“I’m sad. Broken. Hurt.. yet extremely grateful to God that i got to spend 5 years of my life working with one of the funniest sweetest wisest humblest loving man @johnnywitherspoon you were my tv dad and my mentor and my friend. I miss you already. Something don’t feel right. This is heavy on my heart. Anyone that knows me knows how much i love pops. You have a strong wife and great kids. What an amazing family. Your boys damn near grew up on the #WayansBros set they’ll always be like my little brothers and sons. i will pass on all the jewels that you bestowed on to us. Thank you God for the many many many laughs that we shared on and off the set. You got ‘all the keys ? ‘ and i know you got one to heaven’s gate. Anytime i want to laugh or to see you I’m gonna put on a episode of wayans bros and laugh until i cry. I miss already…. hope your dancing in heaven with ugly white shoes on. ‘Pops pops sugar pops’. #ripjohnwitherspoon #mysecondpops”
His Friday costar Regina King reflected on their time spent working together and shared:
Ice Cube, who played Witherspoon’s on-screen son in the Friday films, posted about the loss, too:
See more tributes from Chance The Rapper, Arsenio Hall, and more (below):
Our thoughts and condolences go out to Witherspoon’s friends, family, and loved ones.
Reactions, Perezcious readers? Share your thoughts with us in the comments (below).
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