Beloved comedic actor John Witherspoon, who starred in the Friday movie franchise passed away yesterday, October 29, at his Sherman Oaks, California home; he was 77.

The actor was also co-starred with Marlon and Shawn Wayans on The Wayans Bros., portraying their dad, “Pops,” in the TV series that ran from 1995 to 1999.

Witherspoon’s son John announced his father’s passing in a statement on Twitter: “It is with deep sadness we have to tweet this, but our husband & father John Witherspoon 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"

https://twitter.com/John_POPS_Spoon/status/1189409257671680000?s=20

Ice Cube, star, co-writer and producer of the Friday films, who portrayed Witherspoon's son Craig in the franchise, tweeted, "I am devastated over the passing of John Witherspoon. Life won't be as funny without him."

https://twitter.com/icecube/status/1189427587455406081?s=20

Witherspoon also appeared in the hit films Boomerang, Hollywood Shuffle and House Party, and on the TV series The First Family.