You probably remember John Witherspoon as Ice Cube’s outrageously funny, dog-catching dad (Willie Jones) in New Line Cinema’s smash urban trilogy Friday, Next Friday & Friday After Next, or as “Pops” on the long-running syndicated sitcom The Wayans Brothers…or currently as Lloyd on Adult Swim’s Black Jesus.
Born John Weatherspoon; in 1942, who later changed his surname to “Witherspoon”, is a comedian and actor who has performed and starred in many television shows and films, such as Hollywood Shuffle, The Tracy Morgan Show, Boondocks and The Five Heartbeats, to name a few.
John is one of 11 siblings. Early on, John had a passion for music and learned to play the trumpet and French horn. Witherspoon also worked occasionally as a model. During the 1960s and 1970s, Witherspoon began to take a liking towards comedy. During that time he began his stand-up comedy career. As a result, he had many friends in the business, including Tim Reid, Robin Williams, Jay Leno and David Letterman. His first television appearance was on the 1970s CBS television show Barnaby Jones. Subsequent performances were on Good Times, What’s Happening!! and The Incredible Hulk. In 1977, he became a regular on The Richard Pryor Show. His scene-stealing roles in Boomerang, Little Nicky, House Party, Vampire in Brooklyn, and I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, made him one of the most memorable funny men in America.
Not only does Witherspoon’s work span over four decades to include blockbuster movies, hit television shows, commercials, and top-rated music videos, but he is also a top-selling stand-up act who regularly tours the country. The Detroit-bred comic has proven that he is a Hollywood mainstay and continues to land coveted spots in some of America’s favorite movies and television shows.
John has mostly always performed in comedies. No stranger to Music City, Mr. Witherspoon will be bang-bang-banging all weekend at Zanies. Get your tickets. It’s sure to be a good time.
