John Witherspoon (actor)

Infobox Actor
name = John Witherspoon


imagesize =
caption =
birthdate = birth date and age|1942|1|27
birthname = John Witherspoon
othername = Johnny Witherspoon, "Detroit" John Witherspoon,"POPS"
birthplace = Detroit, Michigan
occupation = Actor, Comedian, Stand-Up Comedy
yearsactive = 1970 - present
academyawards =
spouse = 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."

Biography

John Weatherspoon was born in Detroit, Michigan and has also been known as Johnny Witherspoon and Detroit John but is now known as John Witherspoon. 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, JohnDavid. [ [http://www.pattersonandassociates.com/bios/John_Witherspoon/ John Witherspoon ] ] His brother, William Witherspoon, wrote the Motown hit "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted". Witherspoon is a cousin of Lamont Dozier.

Witherspoon, along with the likes of Paul Mooney, Robin Williams, Sandra Bernhard, and Tim Reid appeared on the groundbreaking and controversial NBC sketch comedy series,which was the brainchild of Richard Pryor (The Richard Pryor Show).

Witherspoon starred in 2006 movie 'Little Man', his character was a grandpa. He was re-united with the Wayan Bros (They starred together in 1995-1999 Tv show 'The Wayan Bros.).

Witherspoon played the role of the blind man in the 2004 movie, Soul Plane.

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

Witherspoon is currently a spokesman for Eastern Motors, a Washington, DC-based used car dealership.

References

External links

* [http://www.bangbangbangbang.com Official website]
*imdb name|id=0936762|name=John Witherspoon
* [http://youtube.com/watch?v=sbYO4TSHvg0 Reelblack TV interview]