John Witherspoon—the revered comedian whose decades-long career included Friday, The Tracy Morgan Show, and The Boondocks—died at his home in Sherman Oaks Tuesday at the age of 77.
"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 Tuesday night. "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."
Witherspoon's stacked filmography also included memorable roles in The Wayans Bros, Soul Plane, Black Jesus, The First Family, Vampire in Brooklyn, and more. The celebrated comedian also continued to carve out time for extended stand-up runs, showcasing a passion for the craft that he discussed at length during a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience.
Following his death Tuesday, fans and friends alike have shared their memories of the prolific actor and comic, including Ice Cube and Regina King.
RIP.
