John “Pops” Witherspoon, most known for his fatherly roles in the Friday franchise and The Wayans Bros, passed away unexpectedly at his home yesterday at the age of 77—leaving behind his wife Angela and two sons. His family, who are in complete “shock,” posted a heartfelt memorial for the beloved actor-comedian and gave an official statement to Deadline on his passing.

 

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It is with deep sadness we have to tweet this, but our husband & father John Witherspoon has passed away. 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. – The Witherspoon Family

A post shared by John “POPS” Witherspoon (@johnnywitherspoon) on Oct 29, 2019 at 10:46pm PDT

“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,” Deadline reports.

Mike Epps, Ice Cube, Rickey Smiley, Marlon Wayans and Regina King are a few of the many celebrities who have also taken to social media to express their condolences, share the positive impact John had in their lives, and celebrate the legacy he left behind.

 

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Aww man this is a heart breaker I remember the first day on the set of next Friday and you told me calm down and let the jokes come natural I was so honored to have work with you thank you for all the advice and laughs and great movies that you gave us Jhon we love you man rest easy see you in comedy heaven 🌹❤️🙏🏿 you be truly missed

A post shared by Mike Epps (@eppsie) on Oct 29, 2019 at 10:48pm PDT

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

 

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I was sad all night. Woke up@this morning and wanted to laugh so i watched this video of us Pops. Such a good time. So glad we made this classic show together. Kinda love what we do… These episodes allow us to live forever through laughter. Love youPops. #ripjohnwitherspoon

A post shared by Marlon Wayans (@marlonwayans) on Oct 30, 2019 at 7:11am PDT

 

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No matter when they go it’s always too soon… RIP to a real legend… You will be missed but never forgotten… @johnnywitherspoon all the love in the world to your legacy and to your family… Got real tears in my eyes on this one… But watching this clip makes me LOL 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

A post shared by Jamie Foxx (@iamjamiefoxx) on Oct 30, 2019 at 12:05am PDT

 

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‪In tears this morning. You were always so nice to me and taught me a lot about boating, love you and will miss you. Rest well King.❤️❤️ #JohnWitherspoon ‬

A post shared by Rickey Smiley (@rickeysmileyofficial) on Oct 30, 2019 at 4:04am PDT

Today we’re reflecting on the life and of John Witherspoon, and sending our condolences to his family, friends and fans during the mourning of his loss. May his legacy continue to live on.