John Witherspoon Dies At 77: Actor Known For Roles In 'Friday', 'The Wayans Bros.'

On Tuesday, actor and comedian John Witherspoon died suddenly at his home in Sherman Oaks, California. He was 77.

Witherspoon was known for his roles as Willie Jones in the 1995 film "Friday," John "Pops" Williams on "The Wayans Bros." and Robert "Granddad" Freeman on the animated series "The Boondocks."

In a statement to Deadline, the actor's family confirmed the news.

"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," it read.

Continuing, the statement revealed that they are asking for everyone to give them "a minute in privacy" before they "celebrate his life and work together."

The news was also shared on the actor's official Twitter account, where his family called him "a legend in the entertainment industry" and "a father figure to all who watched him over the years." The tweet can be seen below.

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.

- The Witherspoon Family pic.twitter.com/ov9P34kaMn
— John Witherspoon (@John_POPS_Spoon) October 30, 2019

Actor Marlon Wayans also spoke out about Witherspoon's passing in an Instagram post. "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," he wrote.

View this post on Instagram

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 you were my tv dad and my mentor and my friend. I miss you already. Something don’t feel right. This is heavy on my heart. Anyone that knows me knows how much i love pops. You have a strong wife and great kids. What an amazing family. Your boys damn near grew up on the #WayansBros set they’ll always be like my little brothers and sons. i will pass on all the jewels that you bestowed on to us. Thank you God for the many many many laughs that we shared on and off the set. You got “all the keys _ “ and i know you got one to heaven’s gate. Anytime i want to laugh or to see you I’m gonna put on a episode of wayans bros and laugh until i cry. I miss already.... hope your dancing in heaven with ugly white shoes on. “Pops pops sugar pops”. #ripjohnwitherspoon #mysecondpops
A post shared by Marlon Wayans (@marlonwayans) on Oct 29, 2019 at 11:39pm PDT

Witherspoon, who was born in Detroit in 1942, made his feature debut in 1980's "The Jazz Singer." He also appeared in various films, including "Vampire in Brooklyn" and "The Ladies Man." Additionally, he was expected to reprise his role of Willie Jones in the upcoming final installment in the "Friday" franchise, "Last Friday."

The actor had also remained committed to his stand-up comedy career over the years. At 77, he had continued to regularly perform and had several scheduled dates at the time of his death.

He is survived by his wife, Angela, and his sons JD and Alexander. At this time, a cause of death has not been released.