We’ve received some sad news tonight as it’s being reported across the web that beloved actor/comedian John Witherspoon died suddenly tonight at his home at the age of 77. He made many people laugh for decades with his stand-up comedy, his television and movie roles as well as his voice acting.

Deadline received this message from the Witherspoon family:

“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. 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 made his feature debut in 1980s’ The Jazz Singer and then proceeded to appear in a variety of films like Hollywood Shuffle, Boomerang, Vampire in Brooklyn, I’m Gonna Get You Sucka, Bird and The Meteor Man. But of course he will mostly be remembered as Craig’s dad in the Friday Franchise, the father of Shawn and Marlon Wayans in The Wayans Brothers television show and the voice of the always grumpy Gramps on the cult animated series The Boondocks.

With HBO Max having ordered two seasons of The Boondocks, it will be interesting to see what they do with the voice of the grandfather as his voice is very distinct. Also What does this mean for the rumored Friday film? We’ll have to wait and see.

What is your favorite Witherspoon role? Let us know in the comment section below!

ALSO SEE: HBO MAX ORDERS TWO SEASONS OF ‘THE BOONDOCKS’ REBOOT

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Source: Deadline