😞😔 How did Actor & Comedian John "POPS" Witherspoon die? #Friday #NextFriday #JohnWitherspoon #RIP 🎥📽🎞 "Last Friday" FINAL Sequel Coming?

Actor and Comedian John "Pops" Witherspoon, died suddenly at his home yesterday; Tuesday Oct. 29th, 2019. His eldest son confirmed in a retweet of the sad and unfortunate news. He was 77.

Condolences poured in from fellow comedians David Alan Grier, Marlon Wayans, Regina King and many other others expressing their deep sadness of his passing. 

In 1988, Witherspoon married Angela Robinson. They have two children, John David ("J.D.") and Alexander J.D. is known for making skits and gameplay videos on YouTube. David Letterman is the godfather to Witherspoon's two sons.

Pictured with his sons David,12, and Alexander Witherspoon,
and his wife Angela Witherspoon 

Witherspoon was best known for his hilarious and iconic role as Willie Jones in 'Friday'. He also appeared in the sequels 'Next Friday' and 'Friday After Next', co-written by his co-star Ice Cube. 

I’m devastated over the passing of John Witherspoon. Life won’t be as funny without him. - ICE CUBE

The talented, hardworking Witherspoon was born in Detroit on January 27th, 1942. He launched his career as a stand-up comedian and began acting only landing guest roles in the late 1970's, he finally made his featured debut in the 1980  film 'The Jazz Singer'. Witherspoon appeared in numerous other films, including: The Ladies Man, Soul Plane, Vampire in Brooklyn, Hollywood Shuffle and more!

My dad, my grandpa, my comedic inspiration! I love you Spoons! Rest In Paradise, King - Regina King (Actress)

Witherspoon also voiced Gramps on the cult animated series The Boondocks. Also known for his role as Pops on The Wayans Bros., Witherspoon did stints on such comedy series as The Tracy Morgan Show, The First Family and Black Jesus.

Up to Witherspoon’s death when not acting, he still performed stand-up comedy and had dates and plans set for upcoming shows. Even more sad, it is said that there was also plans of him starring in the final sequel "Last Friday". 


Ice Cube Sets Goal For 'Last Friday' Release Date. Ice Cube confirmed that production for the last installment of the Friday franchise was happening.Cube said he hopes to drop the last flick on the original film's 25th anniversary, which would be April 26, 2020.  👏🏾

I'm sure the movie will not be the same without "Pops", but I do hope there is some way he can still factor him in or memorialized him in the movie 😔 if anyone can do it, Ice Cube can! 

Witherspoon's son shared a touching message on twitter: 

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.

  


"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."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

Hey we got a New episode of Cooking for Poor People on my YouTube channel of today! I made Meatloaf Surprise! https://t.co/AOXnaIJAUN pic.twitter.com/Lx6dUBcxqs

— John Witherspoon (@John_POPS_Spoon) August 19, 2018

Spending vacation time with my Wife in Europe #YeahBoy pic.twitter.com/fh3BOvSaJT

— John Witherspoon (@John_POPS_Spoon) August 15, 2019

RIP my brother. You will be missed. Mannnnnnn this is a hard one. 🙏🏾John Witherspoon, Beloved 'Friday' and 'The Wayans Bros.' Star, Dead at 77 | Entertainment Tonight https://t.co/iUzyjCI4U1

— David Alan Grier (@davidalangrier) October 30, 2019

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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

💕 I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences and may God be with His Family and Friends during this time. - City Chic