John Witherspoon, beloved comedian and actor, dies at 77

Fans of comedy are mourning the death of John Witherspoon, who died at his home yesterday, according to reports.

A family spokesperson is said to have told CNN that Witherspoon, who featured in a number of iconic scenes across TV and cinema, passed away at his home in Sherman Oaks at the age of 77.

“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,” the family statement read.

Witherspoon was born in Michigan, Detroit, and started his career as a stand-up comedian. He made his television debut in the 1970s, but was perhaps best known for his role as Ice Cube’s dad in the comedy smash-hit film series “Friday”.

Ice Cube wrote on Twitter: “I’m devastated over the passing of John Witherspoon. Life won’t be as funny without him.”