# John Witherspoon’s Final 24 Hours: Shocking Rumors Confirmed by His Son

John Witherspoon, beloved as Pops from *Friday* and the voice of Granddad in *The Boondocks*, was a comedy legend whose life was marked by resilience, hustle, and hidden struggles.

Born on January 27, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan, as one of 11 siblings, Witherspoon grew up in poverty, often wearing mismatched boots to school in the harsh winters.

Despite the lack of resources, his family was bonded by love and drama, shaping his relentless drive. From an early age, he hustled through various jobs—modeling, daytime gigs at Gucci, and late-night comedy sets—to avoid returning to Detroit defeated.

His breakthrough came after moving to New York in 1971, where a chance acting class ignited his passion for comedy and performance. Starting at open mic nights, Witherspoon quickly rose, opening for giants like Richard Pryor and David Letterman. By 1995, his role as Mr. Jones in *Friday* cemented his status, delivering iconic lines with a raw, unscripted flair that became his trademark.

Despite the film’s $300 million gross, he and the cast were paid just $5,000 each initially, a stark underpayment by Hollywood standards. Later, for *Next Friday* (2000), he earned $400,000, a significant jump but still not reflective of his impact.

Behind the laughter, Witherspoon faced significant challenges. Hollywood often typecast him as “too ghetto” or “too Detroit,” leading to conflicts, such as when NBC rejected him for *The Wayans Bros.* during a table read.

The Wayans brothers, showing loyalty, refused to replace him, eventually pitching the show to WB, where it became a hit. Financially, Witherspoon struggled even at his peak, admitting to working tirelessly to pay rent and survive. His early Vegas trip left him broke for a month, a story of grit that defined his journey.

Tragically, on October 29, 2019, Witherspoon passed away at 77 from a heart attack in Los Angeles. Tributes poured in from Ice Cube to the Wayans, highlighting his indelible mark on comedy. Yet, his death was bittersweet; even in his 70s, he continued grinding through stand-up gigs, driven by the need for cash rather than enjoying retirement. “Money, I like that cash,” he once quipped, revealing a heartbreaking reality of never slowing down.

His son, JD Witherspoon, has since carried forward his legacy in acting and voice work but faced a harsh Hollywood snub. After John’s passing, JD auditioned to voice Granddad in the relaunched *Boondocks*, sounding eerily like his father.

Shockingly, the casting directors dismissed him as a novice, ignoring his resume, and chose another actor mere days after John’s death—a cutthroat move that stunned fans.

Witherspoon’s net worth at death was reported at $4 million, modest for his stature, underscoring a career of constant hustle. Beyond the laughs, John Witherspoon’s life was a testament to perseverance amidst financial woes, industry bias, and personal loss, leaving a comedic legacy that continues to resonate.