by Krystal Franklin

October 30, 2019

Photo by Robin Marchant/Getty Images

John Witherspoon‘s family confirmed the death of the beloved actor and comedian early Wednesday morning on his Instagram. He was 77.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by John "POPS" Witherspoon (@johnnywitherspoon)

Over the next few hours, celebrities like David Alan Grier, Arsenio Hall, Ice Cube, Regina King, Loni Love and Marlon Wayans took to social media to share their memories of the comedic genius.

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

🎤 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

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

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Loni Love (@comiclonilove)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Marlon Wayans (@marlonwayans)

Most known for his iconic roles in Boomerang, Friday, Friday After Next, The Wayans Bros. and more, the Detroit native got his early start in comedy in the ’70s and 80’s and would later appear in films, Hollywood Shuffle, Vampire in Brooklyn, The Ladies Man and Fakin’ Da Funk.

Just last week the funny man sat with the DL Hughley Show to discuss his incredible 30-year career. Watch below.

At the 2018 Emmys, host Michael Che included Witherspoon in Reparation Emmys, a skit that paid tribute to our television legends who never got their just due.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Witherspoon family and friends.

TV One

Celebrities We Lost In 2019

18 photos Launch gallery

Celebrities We Lost In 2019

1. Juice Wrld

Source:Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images 1 of 18

2. John Witherspoon

Source:Robin Marchant/Getty Images 2 of 18

3. Rep. Elijah Cummings

Source:Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Image 3 of 18

4. LaShawn Daniels

Source:Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BMI 4 of 18

5. Diahann Carroll

Source:Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic 5 of 18

6. John Wesley

Source:Amy Graves/WireImage 6 of 18

7. Cameron Boyce

Source:Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images 7 of 18

8. Toni Morrison

Source:Dominique Charriau/WireImage 8 of 18

9. Frank Lucas

Source:Photo by David Howells/Corbis via Getty Images 9 of 18

10. Melvin Edmonds

Source:Raymond Boyd/Getty Images 10 of 18

11. Nipsey Hussle

Source:Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images 11 of 18

12. John Singleton

Source:Kevin Winter/Getty Images 12 of 18

13. Freeda Foreman

Source:DAN CALLISTER Online USA Inc 13 of 18

14. Nathaniel Taylor

Source:NBC/NBCU Photo Bank 14 of 18

15. Luke Perry

Source:Photo by Gabriel Olsen/FilmMagic 15 of 18

16. Kristoff St. John

Source:Monty Brinton/CBS via Getty Images 16 of 18

17. James Ingram

Source:Photo by Earl Gibson III/WireImage 17 of 18

18. Leah Chase

Source:Paul Natkin/Getty Images 18 of 18

Skip ad

TV One Continue reading [WATCH] John Witherspoon’s Last Interview Six Days Before His Death

Celebrities We Lost In 2019

Like TV One on Facebook and be sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter.