The comedian and actor has died aged 77 at his home in Sherman Oaks aged 77.
John, made fans laugh for decades following his appearance in the hit Friday franchise. He is also Known for Acting as Grandad in the Cartoon / Animations The Boondocks
Witherspoon also starred in films such as Hollywood Shuffle and most recently appeared in the TV show Black Jesus in 2014.
The actor born John Weatherspoon, is one of 11 siblings, with elder brother William writing the hit What Becomes of The Brokenhearted.
After occasionally working as a model, the star began a career in comedy during the 1960s and 1970s.
The father-of-two is outlived by his wife Angela and sons John David (JD) and Alexander.
A statement released by his family read: “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,”
It continued: “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.”
