‘Friday’ actor-comedian John Witherspoon dies

LOS ANGELES (AP) >> Actor-comedian John Witherspoon, who memorably played Ice Cube’s father in the “Friday” films, has died. He was 77.

Witherspoon’s family issued a statement to the website Deadline saying that Witherspoon died Tuesday in Los Angeles. No cause of death was released.

The actor had a prolific career, co-starring in three “Friday” films, appearing on “TheWayans Bros.” television series and voicing the grandfather in “The Boondocks” animated series. His film roles included “Vampire in Brooklyn” and “Boomerang,” and he was a frequent guest on “Late Show with David Letterman.”

For many, his most recognizable role was “Pops,” Ice Cube’s father in the stoner comedy “Friday” and its two sequels, a crude but affectionate father trying to guide his son to be better.

“Life won’t be as funny without him,” Ice Cube said in a Twitter post late Tuesday, adding that he was devastated by news of Witherspoon’s death.

Regina King, who appeared as Witherspoon’s daughter in “Friday” and also voiced both of his grandsons in the animated series “The Boondocks” called himher “comedic inspiration” on Twitter.

The family’s statement expressed shock at Witherspoon’s death. It said Witherspoon is survived by his wife, Angela, and sons JD and Alexander.

JDWitherspoon tweeted that he was happy for all the great times he and his dad 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,” JDWitherspoon posted. “Love U Dad...I’ll miss u.”