Comedy lost one of its greats Tuesday when John Witherspoon died suddenly at the age of 77. When the news of his passing broke Tuesday night, colleagues and friends mourned the beloved actor-comedian and shared their memories of him on social media
“I’m devastated over the passing of John Witherspoon,” wrote Ice Cube above a photo with Witherspoon. “Life won’t be as funny without him.”
Witherspoon was probably best known for his role as Ice Cube’s grumpy dad Willie Jones in Ice Cube’s hit Friday comedy feature franchise.
“My dad, my grandpa, my comedic inspiration! I love you Spoons! Rest In Paradise,” wrote Regina King, who co-starred with Witherspoon on the animated series The Boondocks. She played siblings Huey and Riley on the show, while Witherspoon voiced their grandfather and legal guardian.
“I’m sad. Broken. Hurt.. yet extremely grateful to God that i got to spend 5 years of my life working with one of the funniest sweetest wisest humblest loving man @johnnywitherspoon,” Marlon Wayans wrote. “You were my tv dad and my mentor and my friend. I miss you already.”
Wayans co-created and starred with his brother Shawn in the comedy series Wayans Bros., on which Witherspoon played their dad Pops.
“We lost a real one today,” wrote Saturday Night Live alum Jay Pharoah who was thankful to Witherspoon for “our conversations and the wisdom you gave me as a young comic.”