John Witherspoon was suffering from a series of health problems when he died last month at age 77.
The beloved actor and comedian died from a heart attack, according to a copy of his death certificate obtained by The Blast. The document lists the underlying causes of his death as “coronary artery disease and obesity.” It also says he had hypertension.
The legendary actor and comedian passed away on the evening of October 29, at his home in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood of Los Angeles, as previously reported.
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Later that night, Witherspoon’s family released a statement on the actor’s Twitter account announcing his sudden passing.
“It is with deepest sorrow that we can confirm our beloved husband and father, John Witherspoon, one of the hardest working men in show business, died today at his home in Sherman Oaks at the age of 77,” the statement read.
“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,” the statement continued.
John Witherspoon played “Pops” on The Wayans Brothers, and more recently co-starred as “Lloyd” on Adult Swim’s Black Jesus.
He was perhaps best known for his scene-stealing performances as Mr. Jones, Ice Cube’s dog catcher dad, in the films Friday, Next Friday and Friday After Next.
