John Witherspoon: Celebrities Grieve Sudden Death of the Veteran Actor and Comedian

John Witherspoon's passing brought on a wave of grief in the industry. His former co-stars, Ice Cube and Marlon Wayans and fellow comedian Martin Lawrence sent out special tributes.

Hollywood will be laughing less now that John Witherspoon has passed on. His former co-stars are grieving and had a lot to say about the way he touched their lives.

“Something don't feel right. This is heavy on my heart...”

Witherspoon who was 77 died on Tuesday. No official cause of death was revealed in the announcement his family made on the comedian’s Instagram.

“It is with deep sadness we have to tweet this, but our husband & father John Witherspoon has passed away,” the statement read. “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.”

Shortly after, tributes came pouring in from celebrities who recognized the void Witherspoon has left.

Among those who mourned him were his “Friday” co-stars Ice Cube and Regina King, and his son on “The Wayan Bros,” Marlon Wayans.

"I'm devastated over the passing of John Witherspoon," Ice Cube wrote on his social media. "Life won't be as funny without him."

King hailed the comedy legend with the words, “My dad, my grandpa, my comedic inspiration! I love you Spoons! Rest in Paradise, King!”

"I'm sad. Broken. Hurt,” were the first words of Wayans’ lengthy message. The actor acknowledged that Witherspoon was his “tv dad,” “mentor,” and “friend.”

“Something don't feel right. This is heavy on my heart,” he lamented. “Anyone that knows me knows how much I love pops.”

Wayans went on to say that Witherspoon had an “amazing family” who became his family too. He also vowed to “pass on all the jewels” that the comedian shared with him.

“You got "all the keys " and I know you got one to Heaven's gate,” Wayans wrote in parting. “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 [you're] dancing in Heaven with ugly white shoes on.”

Fellow comedians also paid tribute to the seasoned star from Detroit who appeared in “The Tracy Morgan Show,” “The Boondocks,” “The First Family,” and “Black Jesus.”

Martin Lawrence recognized that “the world has lost a true comedy legend and all around genuine soul” while Arsenio Hall described the news of Witherspoon’s death as “heart wrenching.”

TV Host Loni Love tried to make light of her sadness by jokin about Witherspoon’s relation to Reese Witherspoon.

“Btw John Witherspoon and Reese Witherspoon are not related..” she said and added, “He would have loved that joke!!!!”

Record producer Russell Simmons in his grief reminded the audience to remember Witherspoon for his service and for the laughter he shared. He also took comfort in knowing that the actor was “free from suffering and is chilling in the kingdom.”

Witherspoon is survived by his wife, Angela and two sons, Alexander and JD. His family is still “in shock” according to a statement sent to Deadline.

“John used to say ‘I’m no big deal’ but he was huge deal to us,” the statement also said.