Hollywood has lost a good one, beloved actor and comedian, John “Pops” Witherspoon, has died. The sad news was announced by his family via his Twitter page. The actor, who made magic in films like the Friday franchise, and Boomerang, passed away on Tuesday night in Los Angeles at the age of 77, his manager Alex Goodman confirmed. The cause of death of the Detroit native is not yet known.
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 pic.twitter.com/ov9P34kaMn
— John Witherspoon (@John_POPS_Spoon) October 30, 2019
The Witherspoon family also released a statement via Twitter on Wednesday morning, confirming his death
“It is with deep sadness we have to tweet this, but our husband & father John Witherspoon has passed away,” the family wrote. “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. “
Witherspoon’s career spanned decades, working frequently with producers, including Ice Cube, the Wayans family, and Eddie Murphy. His film credits include Boomerang, Vampire in Brooklyn, all the three Friday films, Dr. Doolittle 2 and Little Man, among others. He also made his stamp on the small screen with credits in shows like The Wayan Bros., and voicing the iconic Robert “Granddad” Freeman in The Boondocks.
Friends, admirers, and collaborators alike all turned to social media to share their sadness upon learning about his death.
I’m devastated over the passing of John Witherspoon. Life won’t be as funny without him. pic.twitter.com/gtmiZiEppP
— Ice Cube (@icecube) October 30, 2019
“Oh my goodness. What a devastating loss,” actress Kerry Washington wrote on Twitter. “My love and prayers to the Witherspoon family. I love John so dearly and will truly cherish our hilarious time together on Little Man.”
“I’m devastated over the passing of John Witherspoon,” tweeted Ice Cube, who worked with Witherspoon on his Friday movies. “Life won’t be as funny without him.”
Witherspoon is survived by his wife Angela, and his sons JD and Alexander.
Source: Essence Magazine
