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RIP Actor & Comedian John Witherspoon Passed Away At 77

John Witherspoon
(Photo Credit: Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images)

Actor and comedian John Witherspoon best known for his role as “Pops” on The Wayans Brothers series, and his role as Craig’s father in the Friday series has passed away at the age of 77 years old.

An official statement from his family was made on Witherspoon’s official Twitter page.

“It is with deep sadness we have to tweet this, but our husband & father John Witherspoon has passed away. He was a Legend in the entertainment industry, and a father figure to all who watched him over the years. We love you “POPS” always & forever.”

One of his sons confirmed the news on his Twitter page late last night.

“So…my Dad died today & honestly I’m not sure how to feel,” he wrote. “I’m sad, but I’m also happy 4 all the great times we had together. We’d roast each other like homies more than Father & Son, and I really liked that. He was my best friend & my idol. Love U Dad…I’ll miss u.”

Witherspoon was still active at his age with rumors of himself being involved in the final Friday film, Last Friday, and was booked for stand up comedy shows until this day.

His career started with regular roles on 1970’s sitcoms The Richard Pryor Show, and WKRP In Cincinnati. He since became a household name with roles on House Party, The Five Heartbeats, I Got the Hook-Up, Soul Plane, over the years as wells as his role as Shawn and Marlon Wayans’ father “Pops” in The Wayans Bros., Robert “Granddad” Freeman is The Boondocks series, Grandpa Alvin in The First Family, and Lloyd in Black Jesus, among many other reoccurring roles.

Since news of his passing many colleagues and fellow comedians have come out to pay their respects to Witherspoon.