I woke up to sad news this morning that the Detroit born actor John Witherspoon, best known for his roles in "Friday" and the animated show "The Boondocks," has passed away at the age of 77. In a statement released on Twitter last night from his personal Twitter account, it read: "It is with deep sadness we have to tweet this, but our husband & father 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."

Witherspoon began his career in 1977 when he starred on The Richard Pryor Show. His first major role in a film was in 1980's "The Jazz Singer." News of his death has already been discovered by many of his closest friends in the entertainment industry. Ice Cube tweeted: "I’m devastated over the passing of John Witherspoon. Life won’t be as funny without him." In honor of his passing, I'll share my favorite clip of him from the movie "Little Nikky." Best crazy eyes in the game. Rest In Power.

More From WKFR