John Witherspoon

John Witherspoon was an American comedian and actor.

He began a career in stand-up comedy in the 1960s, and began to achieve success in the early 1970s alongside fellow stand-ups Robin Williams, Richard Pryor, Jay Leno, and David Letterman. Witherspoon would go on to make numerous appearances on Letterman’s late night talk shows.

Witherspoon was perhaps best known for his role as dog catcher Willie Jones (Ice Cube’s father) in the 1995 film Friday, as well as its sequels Next Friday and Friday After Next. He was expected to reprise his role in the final installment of the franchise titled Last Friday. His other film work includes appearances in three films which starred Eddie Murphy: Boomerang (1992), Vampire in Brooklyn (1995), and Dr. Doolittle 2 (2001).

In addition to stand-up comedy, Witherspoon’s television work includes acting roles on The Incredible Hulk, Good Times, Barnaby Jones, WKRP in Cincinnati, Hill Street Blues, L.A. Law, and a starring role as John “Pops” Williams on the The WB sitcom The Wayans Bros. from 1995 to 1999.

Witherspoon died October 29, 2019, in Sherman Oaks, California. He was 77.