Things to Do
Things to Do

Family, friends, fans share sorrow over death of actor John Witherspoon

Best known for playing Ice Cube’s father in the ‘Friday’ films, Witherspoon also was on ‘Boondocks,’ ‘The Wayans Bros’ and more

Actor-comedian John Witherspoon has died at age 77. He is probably best known for playing Ice Cube's father in the "Friday" films. "Life won't be as funny without him," Ice Cube said in a Twitter post late Tuesday. He also appeared on "The Wayans Bros." television series and voiced the grandfather in "The Boondocks" animated series. Witherspoon, who was born on Jan. 27, 1942, is survived by his wife, Angela, and sons JD and Alexander.
By
Oct 30, 2019

When six of the top 10 trending topics on Twitter are about John Witherspoon, it’s not a stretch to say the actor and comedian was beloved.

Witherspoon, best known for playing Ice Cube’s father in the “Friday” movies, died late Tuesday in Los Angeles. He was 77.

» John Witherspoon, 'Friday' actor-comedian, dead at age 77

Family, friends and entertainers took to social media to express their sadness and shock.

Witherspoon’s death also affected his fans, who shared favorite scenes and sayings of the actor.

About the Author

Nancy Clanton is a lead producer for The AJC's platforms team, but also writes stories about health, travel, events and entertainment. A native of Knoxville and graduate of the University of Tennessee, she has worked at the AJC for 24 years.

Follow Nancy Clanton on twitter
More Stories

The Latest

Wilkin & Sons Tiptree Marmalade comes in a wide variety, including a smooth no-peel version. (Courtesy)

Credit: Handout

Where can I find it?

15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend

Where can I find it?

Featured

Tracy Woodard from InTown Cares (left) and Lauren Hopper from Mercy Care organization work with residents at the Copperton Street encampment in August 2024. (Miguel Martinez / AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez

‘Worst nightmares come true.’ Atlanta confronts shift in homelessness funding.

Trump’s overhaul threatens permanent housing for an estimated 600 Atlanta households and 170,000 people nationwide, advocates warn.

Microsoft’s newest AI ‘superfactory’ opens at sprawling Fayetteville campus

One of the largest data center campuses under construction in Georgia has its first operational tenant, and it’s one of the most recognizable names in technology.

Atlanta officials quietly rebrand city’s DEI office

The city of Atlanta office overseeing diversity, equity and inclusion is getting a rebrand amid assaults at the federal level on such initiatives.