Actor John Witherspoon dead at 77

Legendary actor and comedian, John Witherspoon has passed on at the age of 77. 

John Witherspoon who made audiences laugh in television shows and films including the hit Friday franchise, died at his home in Sherman Oaks. He is survived by his wife and two sons. 

His family announced his sudden passing on social media....

“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 said in a statement to Deadline.

“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 began his stand-up comedy career in the 1970s, where he made friends with some of the biggest comics working in the industry at the time. His comedic talents opened the door to a storied screen career.