Ice Cube, Marlon Waynes, Questlove, & More React to the Death of John Witherspoon

Culture - 3 years ago

Dimas Sanfiorenzo Dimas Sanfiorenzo is the Managing Editor for Okayplayer. He specializes…

Source: John Witherspoon

Everyone from Questlove to Ice Cube to Ava DuVernay sent out support for “Pops.”

Legendary comedic actor John Witherspoon died at his home on Tuesday, October 29th. The actor, who was 77 at the time of his death, maintained one of the more successful careers in entertainment.

READ: Legendary Comedian John Witherspoon — aka “Pops” — Dies at 77

Over a career that’s spanned over 40 years, Witherspoon has appeared in classic TV shows and moves like The Richard Pryor Show. Good Times. Boomerang. Friday, House Party, The Boondocks, and more.

Since his death was first announced, those inspired by him have been sending out their love and condolences on social media. Everyone from Questlove to Ice Cube to Regina King sent out messages to Witherspoon.

Questlove

 

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John Witherspoon resonated with every last one of us because he represented someone in our family: embarrassing us at gatherings (Boomerang), misrepresenting our generations heroes (“Public Enema”?!), making a jingle about pretty much everything (Grandpa on Boondocks), the neighborhood wino (black Jesus—-or better yet Hollywood Shuffle)—-the list is endless. Bar none my favorite working/blue collar actor. Prolly THE most famous iconic character actor (I mean he didn’t star in vehicles but he was no doubt THE go to support) the best knew to get the best. When interviewing @davidalangrier on @QLS him describing what should have been a routine 15 min scene at the family table in Boomerang wound up being a non stop hour and a half us master class riffing amongst masters, with Witherspoon leading the way. History should tell it well, all the greats utilized him on their project for the last 45 years (Richard Pryor Show/Whats Happening!/Good Times/WKRP/227/Martin/Amen/Fresh Prince/Wayans Bros/Living Single/Boondocks/First Family/blackish/Black Jesus)—-he will forever be our pop pops. RIP

A post shared by Questlove Froman, (@questlove) on Oct 30, 2019 at 6:04am PDT

Ava DuVernay

Farewell, sir. Thanks for all the smiles + all the laughter. We needed you and we celebrate you. #JohnWitherspoon pic.twitter.com/bHgyNRfbAc

— Ava DuVernay (@ava) October 30, 2019

Martin Lawrence

The world has lost a true comedy legend and all around genuine soul, who paved the way for so many of us to be able to do what we love. My deepest condolences to John’s family. I know he’s already up there makin everyone laugh 🙏🏾 #rip #comedy #legend #JohnWitherspoon pic.twitter.com/mKzXUGK8Uw

— Martin Lawrence (@realmartymar) October 30, 2019

Ice Cube

I’m devastated over the passing of John Witherspoon. Life won’t be as funny without him. pic.twitter.com/gtmiZiEppP

— Ice Cube (@icecube) October 30, 2019

Regina King

My dad, my grandpa, my comedic inspiration! I love you Spoons! Rest In Paradise, King pic.twitter.com/U6GsNrrKXF

— Regina King (@ReginaKing) October 30, 2019

Marlon Waynes

 

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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

 

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I was sad all night. Woke up@this morning and wanted to laugh so i watched this video of us Pops. Such a good time. So glad we made this classic show together. Kinda love what we do… These episodes allow us to live forever through laughter. Love youPops. #ripjohnwitherspoon

A post shared by Marlon Wayans (@marlonwayans) on Oct 30, 2019 at 7:11am PDT

 

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We never knew what we all were going to do but the TRUST came from the LOVE AND RESPECT we all had for each other as artist and people. Always a classic moment

A post shared by Marlon Wayans (@marlonwayans) on Oct 30, 2019 at 8:41am PDT

DL Hughley

I’m so very sad #JohnWitherspoon is gone, but I’m so very grateful to have seen him, spoken with him, and laughed with him! #TeamDl

— DL Hughley (@RealDLHughley) October 30, 2019

DJ Pooh

Rip John Witherspoon 😔🙏🏽

— DJ POOH (@DJPooh) October 30, 2019

Chance the Rapper

God bless John Witherspoon. The definition of an icon. Wow. pic.twitter.com/2wUBXglzSW

— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) October 30, 2019

Lizzo

I’m not gon lie I’m still sad about Pops… but I gotta do promo 😓

— Feelin Good As Hell (@lizzo) October 30, 2019

Lil Reese

Rip pops from Friday…

— LilReese300 (@LilReese300) October 30, 2019

Twista

Pops taught us no matter what ya going thru always keep ya head up and keep on smiling #ripjohnwitherspoon pic.twitter.com/DQLzt4aejv

— Twista Summer 96 mixtape Out Now (@TWISTAgmg) October 30, 2019

Leslie Jones

I’m so sad, I loved pops!! RIP to one of the greats will miss you John Witherspoon damn I’m sad pic.twitter.com/TaYWU4mSN4

— Leslie Jones 🦋 (@Lesdoggg) October 30, 2019

David Alan Grier

RIP my brother. You will be missed. Mannnnnnn this is a hard one. 🙏🏾John Witherspoon, Beloved ‘Friday’ and ‘The Wayans Bros.’ Star, Dead at 77 | Entertainment Tonight https://t.co/iUzyjCI4U1

— David Alan Grier (@davidalangrier) October 30, 2019

Chuck D

It’s where I first remembered The Great John Witherspoon on the screen in @Robert_Townsend Hollywood Shuffle R I P funny man pic.twitter.com/1RcTSCu1Gt

— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) October 30, 2019

Arsenio Hall

🎤 This day began with such joy.
And it’s ending with this heart wrenching news of John Witherspoon’s passing. One of our comic brothers. 🌹 RIP pic.twitter.com/efSqqw6BHJ

— Arsenio Hall (@ArsenioHall) October 30, 2019

Judd Apatow

Pure funny. Hilarious and always kind. John Witherspoon will be missed. https://t.co/sctMZc2O0k

— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) October 30, 2019

Busta Rhymes

 

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This one cuts deep. Rest well King John Witherspoon aka Pop’s. Love you and thank you giving us so much of you.

A post shared by Busta Rhymes (@bustarhymes) on Oct 30, 2019 at 6:01am PDT

Sinbad

John Witherspoon, Beloved ‘Friday’ and ‘The Waynes Bros.’ Star, Dead at 77 | Entertainment Tonight. “When they say OG and inspiration… that’s Johnny Witherspoon. One of my early heroes and a beautiful person. My prayers are with the family! Love you! https://t.co/CRhz4wIcLQ

— Sinbad (@sinbadbad) October 30, 2019

Ari Lennox

John Witherspoon forever ❤️

— Ari Lennox (@AriLennox) October 30, 2019

Jackee Harry

I’m absolutely shattered at the news of my great friend John Witherspoon passing. May love surround his entire family and fan base – a comedy legend we’ll never forget. 🙏💜 pic.twitter.com/PqO0nysZTj

— Jackée Harry (@JackeeHarry) October 30, 2019

Jay Pharoah

My heart hurts so much right now, RIP to John Witherspoon,I appreciate our conversations and the wisdom you gave me as a young comic, we lost a real one today and It’d be remiss to not say he was and is irreplaceable and a invaluable icon in the comedic community sleep easy man😥 pic.twitter.com/whOsWNq3t0

— Jay Pharoah (@JayPharoah) October 30, 2019

Orlando Jones

#JohnWitherspoon my heart is heavy. Thank you for being you and giving a cuss when nobody else did. 🙏🏿 Rest in Power ❤️ pic.twitter.com/JxUprz6kQu

— Orlando Jones (@TheOrlandoJones) October 30, 2019

thank John Witherspoon ❤️

— el-p (@therealelp) October 30, 2019