He is most notable for his role in the Friday series, and for voicing Robert Jebediah ‘Granddad’ Freeman in the Boondocks series.
Last month, it was reported that HBO had ordered two seasons of the previously discontinued Boondocks series.
Witherspoon has acted in several movies and television shows throughout his long career, such as Hollywood Shuffle, Boomerang, Vampire In Brooklyn, I’m Gonna Get You Sucka, House Party, I Got the Hook-Up, I Got the Hook-Up, Soul Plane, Little Man, The Richard Pryor Show, The Incredible Hulk, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Living Single, The Tracy Morgan Show, Black Jesus, Black Dynamite, Black-ish, and much more.
He was also recently featured in Chance the Rapper’s album.
His family announced his death on Twitter, writing:
“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”
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
“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’s family told Deadline in a statement.
“He is survived by his wife Angela, and his sons JD, Alexander, and a large family. 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 huge deal to us.”
He is survived by his wife and two sons.
Following his passing, people took to social media to mourn, trending ‘John Witherspoon,’ and ‘Rest In Peace’.
RIP John Witherspoon. Who’s gon play granddad on Boondocks now ??
— ?Raveena ? (@Xaneey22) October 30, 2019
one of my best part in boondocks was when he told his grandpa he needs allowance and grandpa { John Witherspoon } said Allowance!!! I allow you to eat my food i allow you to live in my house , sit on my couch !! Allowance!! ?? . Rest in peace legend ?
— Pholly_Aroh? (@phollyaroh) October 30, 2019
https://twitter.com/Whimzyclothing/status/1189441585714487296?s=20
Guys,
We just lost an Epitome of black Entertainment
John Witherspoon dies at 77.
This n---a made you LOVE every character he played.
A True Legend may he Rest In Peace #NextFriday #JohnWitherspoon pic.twitter.com/PrDxRkyjOJ
— Josh Euronaire (@Euronaire) October 30, 2019
13 thoughts on “‘Boondocks’ actor John Witherspoon dies at 77”