John Witherspoon
Biography
John Witherspoon (born John Weatherspoon; January 27, 1942 in Detroit, Michigan – October 29, 2019) was an American African‑American comedian and actor. His career spanned more than three decades and included roles in over twenty films and television series. He is remembered for playing Willie Jones in the Friday film series and for appearances in Hollywood Shuffle (1987) and Boomerang (1992). Television work included early work on Barnaby Jones (1973), recurring roles on The Wayans Brothers from 1994 to 1999, The Tracy Morgan Show in 2003, and a voice part on The Boondocks in 2005. He also wrote and starred in the film From the Old School and released a collection titled The John Witherspoon Collecti. His TMDB profile lists 71 credited performances.
Career overview
John Witherspoon was an American actor and comedian whose career spanned more than three decades. Born on January 27, 1942 in Detroit, Michigan, he appeared in a wide range of film and television projects until his death on October 29, 2019 at the age of 77. Over the course of his career he accumulated more than 70 credited roles, including appearances in over 20 movies and numerous television series.
In film, Witherspoon’s early work included a role in the 1987 comedy Hollywood Shuffle, followed by a part in the 1992 romantic comedy Boomerang. He later became widely recognized for his recurring role as Willie Jones in the Friday film series, a character that contributed to the franchise’s lasting popularity. In addition to acting, he ventured into screenwriting with the movie From the Old School, in which he portrayed an elderly working man fighting to keep a neighborhood convenience store from being turned into a strip club.
On television, Witherspoon’s credits ranged from a 1973 appearance on the detective series Barnaby Jones to a recurring role on the sketch comedy show The Wayans Brothers from 1994 to 1999. He also appeared on The Tracy Morgan Show in 2003 and provided voice work for the animated series The Boondocks in 2005. His extensive body of work reflects a versatile presence in both comedic and dramatic contexts across film and television.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
71 titles- Boosters LA (2022) as Luther
- Reality Queen! (2020) as Joe The Plumber
- I Got the Hook Up 2 (2019) as Mr. Mimm
- White Famous (2017) as Limo Driver
- BoJack Horseman (2014) as Franco Aplenty (voice)
- black-ish (2014) as James Brown
- Black Jesus (2014) as Lloyd
- Anger Management (2012) as Will
- Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja (2012) as S. Ward Smith (voice)
- Gotham Comedy Live (2012) as Self - Host
- A Thousand Words (2012) as Blind Man
- The First Family (2012) as Grandpa Alvin
- Chick Magnet (2011) as John (uncredited)
- Bring Me the Head of Lance Henriksen (2010) as John
- The Hustle (2008) as Mr. Wikes
- You Got to Coordinate (2008) as Self
- After Sex (2007) as Gene
- Little Man (2006) as Pops
- Thugaboo: A Miracle on D-roc's Street (2006) as Real Santa/Christmas Singer on a Radio (voice)
- The Boondocks (2005) as Robert Freeman (voice)
- Soul Plane (2004) as Blind Man
- Laffapalooza! #2 (2004) as Self
- The Tracy Morgan Show (2003) as Spoon
- Kim Possible (2002) as Wayne (voice)
- Friday After Next (2002) as Mr. Jones
- Dr. Dolittle 2 (2001) as Zoo Bear #2 (voice)
- Little Nicky (2000) as Street Vendor
- Next Friday (2000) as Mr. Jones
- The Ladies Man (2000) as Scrap Iron
- Bulworth (1998) as Reverend Morris
- I Got the Hook-Up (1998) as Mr. Mimm
- Ride (1998) as Roscoe
- High Freakquency (1998) as Wes Thomas
- Fakin' Da Funk (1997) as Bill
- Sprung (1997) as Detective
- The Wayans Bros. (1995) as John 'Pops' Williams
- Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child (1995) as Scofflaw (voice)
- Friday (1995) as Mr. Jones
- Vampire in Brooklyn (1995) as Silas Green
- Murder Was the Case (1995) as Drunk #1
- Cosmic Slop (1994) as Homeless Man #1 (segment 'The First Commandment')
- Late Show with David Letterman (1993) as Self - Guest
- Fatal Instinct (1993) as Arch
- The Meteor Man (1993) as Clarence James Carter III
- Martin (1992) as Uncle Junior
- Boomerang (1992) as Mr. Jackson
- Bebe's Kids (1992) as Card Player #1 (voice)
- The Five Heartbeats (1991) as Wild Rudy
- Talkin' Dirty After Dark (1991) as Dukie
- Killer Tomatoes Strike Back! (1991) as Evan Rood
- Sunday in Paris (1991) as Fredic Dickson
- The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990) as Augustus Adams
- House Party (1990) as Mr. Strickland
- Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 3 (1989)
- Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 4 (1989)
- I'm Gonna Git You Sucka (1988) as Reverend
- Bird (1988) as Sid
- Kidnapped (1988) as Pimp
- Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 2 (1988)
- Hollywood Shuffle (1987) as Mr. Jones
- Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 1 (1987)
- L.A. Law (1986) as Mark Steadman
- Ratboy (1986) as Heavy
- 227 (1985)
- Hill Street Blues (1981)
- The Jazz Singer (1980) as M.C. Cinderella Club
- WKRP in Cincinnati (1978)
- The Incredible Hulk (1977) as Tom
- The Richard Pryor Show (1977)
- What's Happening!! (1976) as DJ
- Good Times (1974)
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is John Witherspoon best known for?
John Witherspoon is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including The Humpbacked Horse (1975), BoJack Horseman (2014), black-ish (2014), Anger Management (2012).
When and where was John Witherspoon born?
John Witherspoon was born on January 27, 1942 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. They passed away on October 29, 2019.
How many credits does John Witherspoon have?
John Witherspoon has accumulated over 71 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1974 to 2022.
What is John Witherspoon's background in cinema and television?
John Witherspoon (born John Weatherspoon; January 27, 1942 in Detroit, Michigan – October 29, 2019) was an American African‑American comedian and actor. His career spanned more than three decades and included roles in over twenty films and television series. He is remembered for playing Willie Jones in the Friday film ...