American actor and comedian who performed in dozens of television shows and films, John Witherspoon has passed away yesterday at the age of 77.
The actor who was best known for his role as Willie Jones for the Friday series died at his home in Sherman oaks. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
His family announced his demise on social media at the early hours of today:
“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 was known for his over-the-top characters in films like House Party, in which he played an irritated neighbor who is repeatedly woken up by the party. In the film Boomerang with Eddie Murphy where he plays Mr Jackson, the ill-mannered father of Murphy’s best friend. During a hilarious dinner scene, he tells Murphy’s “Marcus” to take the upper hand in his relationship with Robin Givens’s character “Jacqueline” simulating aggressive sex pumping his hips under the dinner table yelling “Bang bang…bang bang bang”. The line had become a signature for Witherspoon and was often heard during his stand-up routines.
May his soul rest in peace.
By Samiah Olabimpe