John Witherspoon death: Friday actor and stand-up comedian dies aged 77

Star’s most notable role was as Willie Jones in the Friday franchise

Actor and comedian John Witherspoon has died at the age of 77.

Known for playing Willie Jones in the Friday franchise and for his voice work in animated series The Boondocks, Witherspoon died at his home in Los Angeles on Tuesday, his family said.

Witherspoon’s family made a statement confirming his death to NBC News.

“It is with deepest sorrow that we can confirm our beloved husband and father, John Witherspoon, one of the hardest working men in show business, died today at his home in Sherman Oaks at the age of 77,” said the statement.

“He is survived by his wife Angela, and his sons JD, Alexander, and a large family. We are all in shock, please give us a minute for a moment in privacy and we will celebrate his life and his work together. John used to say ‘I’m no big deal’, but he was huge deal to us.”

Witherspoon appeared in the films The Jazz Singer and Boomerang, among many other roles, and starred as John “Pops” Williams in The Wayans Bros television show.