Share
LOS ANGELES — Actor-comedian John Witherspoon, who memorably played Ice Cube’s father in the “Friday” films, has died. He was 77.
Witherspoon’s family issued a statement to the website Deadline saying that Witherspoon died Tuesday in Los Angeles. No cause of death was released.
The actor had a prolific career, co-starring in three “Friday” films, appearing on “The Wayans Bros.” television series and voicing the grandfather in “The Boondocks” animated series. His film roles included “Vampire in Brooklyn” and “Boomerang,” and he was a frequent guest on “Late Show with David Letterman.”
For many, his most recognizable role was “Pops,” Ice Cube’s father in the stoner comedy “Friday” and its two sequels, a crude but affectionate father trying to guide his son to be better.
“Life won’t be as funny without him,” Ice Cube said in a Twitter post late Tuesday, adding that he was devastated by news of Witherspoon’s 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
The Family’s Statement Expressed Shock at Witherspoon’s Death
Regina King, who appeared as Witherspoon’s daughter in “Friday” and also voiced both of his grandsons in the animated series “The Boondocks” called him her “comedic inspiration” on Twitter.
The family’s statement expressed shock at Witherspoon’s death. It said Witherspoon is survived by his wife, Angela, and sons JD and Alexander.
JD Witherspoon tweeted that he was happy for all the great times he and his dad 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,” JD Witherspoon posted. “Love U Dad…I’ll miss u.”
The actor-comedian was born Jan. 27, 1942.
Wall Street Falls as Trump Says China Violated Tariff Terms
35 minutes ago
US Consumer Spending Slows in April, Inflation Benign
41 minutes ago
Tulare County Man Convicted of Child Molestation During Burglary Faces Life Without Parole
16 hours ago
Fresno Man Arrested After Stolen City Vehicle Pursuit, Fires in Madera County
16 hours ago
Former MLB All-Star Breaks Ground on BMW/Porsche/Audi Dealership in Clovis
17 hours ago
Fresno, Clovis to Open Cooling Centers as Temperatures Expected to Soar
18 hours ago
Costco Misses Quarterly Revenue Expectations Amid Reduced Consumer Spending
18 hours ago
Tulare County Authorities Respond to Double Shooting in Goshen
18 hours ago

Dodgers Acquire Former All-Star Reliever Alexis Díaz in Trade With Cincinnati Reds

Christian McCaffrey Returns to 49ers Practice, Showing No Ill Effects From Injuries

Wall Street Falls as Trump Says China Violated Tariff Terms

US Consumer Spending Slows in April, Inflation Benign

Tulare County Man Convicted of Child Molestation During Burglary Faces Life Without Parole
