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John Witherspoon of 'Friday' Is Remembered by Fellow Celebrities after His Sudden Death at 77

Jaimie-lee Prince
By Jaimie-lee Prince
Oct 31, 2019
11:00 P.M.

Celebrities are pouring in with tributes for the beloved actor John Witherspoon who passed away earlier this week.

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On Tuesday, Hollywood was jolted when John Witherspoon of "Friday" fame passed away at the age of 77. Fans and celebrities alike mourned the actor online.

Among the stars who remembered Witherspoon were Ice Cub, Marlon Wayans, and Jackée Harry. Theirs and other tributary posts are found below.

John Witherspoon arrives for "The Late Show with David Letterman" on February 22, 2012 in New York City | Photo: Getty Images

John Witherspoon arrives for "The Late Show with David Letterman" on February 22, 2012 in New York City | Photo: Getty Images

According to CNN, Witherspoon passed away at his Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles home in California. He left behind a wife and two sons as well as many others who loved him dearly.

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In a statement released by the family, Witherspoon was called a "legend" and "a father figure." Many other words have been used to describe the "Little Man" actor.

Ice Cube took to Twitter and shared a photo of himself with Witherspoon. "I'm devastated over the passing of John Witherspoon. Life won't be as funny without him," he captioned it.

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Ice Cube co-starred with Witherspoon in all the "Friday" movies in which the deceased played the role of Mr. Jones. According to IMDb, he would have been in a new film, "The Last Friday," which is in pre-production.

Jackée Harry, who worked with Witherspoon in the series "The First Family," also tweeted a tribute. She included a short clip of her and the actor at work.

She wrote:

"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."

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Two of the Wayans Brothers Marlon and Shawn had a self-titled show on which Witherspoon played John Williams, affectionately called "Pops" on the sitcom, for four years.

Marlon Wayans shared a lengthy tribute via Instagram. In it, he said he was "broken" and "hurt" but grateful for the time he spent with his tv dad.

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He thanked Witherspoon for the "many many many" laughs shared and insisted that the late actor has the keys to heaven's gate. He added, "hope your dancing in heaven with ugly white shoes on."

Regina King, another alum of the "Friday" films, wrote: "My dad, my grandpa, my comedic inspiration! I love you Spoons! Rest In Paradise, King."

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Filmmaker Judd Apatow also shared kind sentiments, praising Witherspoon's talents and "hilarious" personality in a short tweet that featured a picture of the late comedian.

Comedian, actor and talk show host Arsenio Hall called the news "heart wrenching." He included a red emoji rose in the tweet. David Alan Grier added his voice as well.

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Vivica Fox used all caps to express her shock and sorrow at Witherspoon's death. She also sent prayers to the family. She used hashtags "Rest in peace" and "Rest in power" in her tweet.

Details of Witherspoon's death remain hidden. His legacy will stay alive in the endless shows and films in which he was cast. Our sincerest condolences go out towards his family.

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