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The Boondocks and Friday actor John Witherspoon, dies age 77

Tributes have been paid to the late star by Ice Cube, Marlon Wayans, Chance The Rapper, and more.

October 30, 2019

Actor and comedian John Witherspoon, known for his roles in Friday and House Party among others, died on Tuesday. He was 77.

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“It is with deep sadness we have to tweet this, but our husband & father John Witherspoon has passed away,” his family announced on Twitter. “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.”

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Witherspoon was a beloved comedy actor and played the role of Ice Cube's father in all three movies in the Friday trilogy. He also regularly collaborated with the Eddie Murphy (Boomerang, Dr. Doolittle 2) and the Wayans brothers.

Later in his career Witherspoon voiced Robert “Granddad” Freeman in the popular Cartoon Network series, The Boondocks. The animated series ran for over nine seasons and was recently revived for two new seasons by HBO Max.

Tributes to Witherspoon have poured in on social media since news of his death broke on Tuesday.

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Posted: October 30, 2019