John Witherspoon

Date of Birth: January 27, 1942

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: October 29, 2019

Biography

John Witherspoon was an American actor and comedian who left an indelible mark on Hollywood and the comedy scene. Born as John Weatherspoon, he changed his name to Witherspoon to stand out in the entertainment industry. Witherspoon is best known for his roles in popular films and TV shows, particularly in African-American cinema and sitcoms. His most iconic role was that of Willie Jones in the “Friday” series, where his comedic timing and memorable lines made him a fan favorite. He also had notable appearances in “The Wayans Bros.,” “Boomerang,” and “The Boondocks,” where he voiced the character of Robert Jebediah “Granddad” Freeman. Witherspoon’s career spanned over five decades, and he was celebrated for his unique humor, often drawing from his personal experiences and observations. He was also a stand-up comedian and performed in various comedy clubs across the United States.

5 Interesting Facts about John Witherspoon

1. John Witherspoon initially pursued a career in music and even released a few songs before switching to comedy and acting.

2. He appeared in over 30 television series and films throughout his career.

3. Witherspoon often improvised his lines, adding a unique touch to his characters.

4. He was a frequent guest on “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast, where he shared stories from his extensive career.

5. Witherspoon was known for his catchphrase “Bang! Bang! Bang!” which became popular among fans.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Witherspoon

1. “You win some, you lose some, but you live, you live to fight another day.”

2. “Every time I come in the kitchen, you in the kitchen. In the goddamn refrigerator. Eatin’ up all the food.”

3. “Don’t nobody go in the bathroom for about 35, 45 minutes.”

4. “I got a dog. His name is Winky. I named him that because his eye is always closed.”

5. “I don’t want to be an old man telling my grandkids, ‘I had a chance to be great, but I was too scared.’”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, John Witherspoon’s net worth was estimated to be around $4 million.

Children

John Witherspoon had two sons, John David (“J.D.”) Witherspoon and Alexander Witherspoon. J.D. Witherspoon is a known actor, comedian, and YouTuber, following in his father’s footsteps in the entertainment industry.