John Witherspoon (actor)
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- For the minister and signer of the Declaration of Independence, see John Witherspoon.
| John Witherspoon | |
|---|---|
| Born | John Witherspoon January 27, 1942 Detroit, Michigan |
| Other name(s) | Johnny Witherspoon, "Detroit" John Witherspoon |
| Occupation | Actor, Comedian, Stand-Up Comedy |
| Years active | 1970 - present |
| Spouse(s) | Angela Witherspoon |
John Witherspoon (born January 27, 1942) is an American comedy actor known for his roles in Hollywood Shuffle (1987), Boomerang (1992), Murder Was The Case (1994), Friday (1995), Vampire In Brooklyn (1995) and the 1990s WB sitcom The Wayans Bros. John was born in Detroit, Michigan and has also been known as Johnny Witherspoon and Detroit John. He started as a fashion model for various catalogs. He has combined a career as a stand-up comic with appearances on television and films. Most of his roles in movies have been as humorously cantankerous characters as seen in Boomerang, House Party and the Friday series.
His recent roles include Robert "Granddad" Freeman in the animated television show The Boondocks. Witherspoon's most recent television appearance was as a blue-suited pimp on Carlos Mencia's May 6th episode of Mind of Mencia.
Witherspoon appeared in Jay-Z's video for "I Just Wanna Luv U (Give It 2 Me)" and in Field Mob's music video for "Sick of Being Lonely". He can be seen in Hitman Sammy Sam's video "Step Daddy" as Stepdaddy #1.
Witherspoon was interviewed on Space Ghost Coast to Coast but the interview never aired, although the interview is quickly glimpsed on Episode 60: "Lawsuit", When Space Ghost is looking for a lawyer. He also starred in the film Little Man along with the Wayans brothers (Shawn and Marlon) and made a small appearance in 2000 film Little Nicky.
Witherspoon's longtime friend David Letterman is the godfather to his son, David.[1] His brother, William Witherspoon, wrote the Motown hit "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted". Witherspoon is a cousin of Lamont Dozier.
Witherspoon also starred in an episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air (The Harder They Fall) playing the disagreeable father of Lisa (Will's new girlfriend).
Witherspoon's first hour-long stand-up special, "You Got To Coordinate," premiered on the Showtime Network (USA) on March 28, 2008. It is available on DVD through Image Entertainment
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