John Witherspoon (actor)
Encyclopedia
John Witherspoon is an American comedian and actor who has had roles in over 28 movies and 20 television shows. Mostly known for the "Friday" series, he has been acting for over three decades and starred in shows such as Hollywood Shuffle
(1987), Boomerang
(1992). He has also made appearances on television shows such as The Wayans Brothers (1995–99), The Tracy Morgan Show
(2003), Barnaby Jones
(1973) and The Boondocks
(2005). Witherspoon has also recently finished his stand up comedy tour. He has also taken his success in acting and continued it with screen writing a movie called From the Old School where he takes the role as an elderly working man who tries to prevent a neighborhood convenience store from being developed into a strip club. Witherspoon has just come out with The John Witherspoon Collection, which is a line of comical greeting cards known as Spoon Cards. He is the official spokesman for a Washington, D.C.
used car dealership.
. John Witherspoon was born to the last name Weatherspoon but later changed it to Witherspoon. He also goes by the nicknames of Johnny Witherspoon and “Detroit” John Witherspoon. John was one of 11 children. One of his older siblings, William Weatherspoon, went on to become a songwriter in Detroit for Motown. He is best known for his work “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted." John Witherspoon is also related to Lamont Dozier
who was a songwriter and record producer well known for hits coming from Martha & the Vandellas, The Supremes
, The Four Tops, and The Isley Brothers
. John Witherspoon and his brother William grew up enjoying music. The young John continued his passion for music and learned how to play the trumpet and French Horn. Also during his childhood, Witherspoon did occasional work as a model. During the 1960s and 1970s, Witherspoon began to take a liking towards comedy. During that time he began his stand up comedy career. While doing stand up comedy he made many friends in the business. This included Tim Reid
(while he was working on WKRP in Cincinnati
and The Richard Pryor Show
), Robin Williams
(also on The Richard Pryor Show), Jay Leno
, and David Letterman
. David Letterman and John Witherspoon became such good friends that Witherspoon asked Letterman to be the Godfather to both his children, John David and Alexander. Letterman would accept the privilege. Witherspoon’s stand up comedy career led to his comedian film career. His comical character was seen in his movies, TV shows, and now once again in his comedy tour. In 1988, he married Angela Robinson. They have two children, John David and Alexander.
television show Barnaby Jones
, which was about a father and daughter that ran a private detective and investigation firm in Los Angeles
. In the episode he appeared in he played the role of a camp counselor for kids who are drug addicts. The episode he was in was also Sean Penn
’s first acting job. Sean played the role of one of the kids that Witherspoon counseled in the camp.
After his appearance in Barnaby Jones, Witherspoon appeared in Good Times
as a detective, What's Happening as a D.J., and The Incredible Hulk as Tom.
In 1977, Witherspoon became a regular on the series The Richard Pryor Show', an NBC
American comedy series.
This then led to his appearance in WKRP In Cincinnati
in 1978 in the fourth season, episode 84. Witherspoon played Detective Davies.
, an NBC police drama, as a businessman who tries to buy a hotdog from an undercover Detective Belker.
In 1981, he had an appearance on L.A. Law
, an NBC legal drama, in the episode “On Your Honor” as Mark Steadman.
In 1986, he was on the television series You Again?
as Osborne.
Next Witherspoon was seen on Frank's Place
(1987). Also in 1987 he made a guest appearance on 227
, which was an NBC comedy about women who lived in a majority black apartment complex. The final show Witherspoon was in 1987 was What's Happening Now!!
which was about a writer who ended up buying the rights to half of restaurant.
A year later Witherspoon was in Amen
(1988), an American television sitcom that ran on NBC, as the bailiff. The show was known for being one of the shows during the 1980s that featured an almost entirely black cast. Other shows with this feature included The Cosby Show
and 227
, which Witherspoon was also in.
, who plays a disc jockey in Detroit. Witherspoon appeared as Martin’s Uncle Junior in the episode “Thanks for Nothing”.
Next came spots on Townsend Television
(1993), Cosmic Slop
(1994), and Murder Was The Case
(1994) as a drunk. Also in 1994, Witherspoon was in the NBC’s Fresh Prince of Bel Air and played Augusteus in the episode “The Harder They Fall”. Augusteus is the father of Lisa, the girl Will falls in love with, who is seen as stern and almost psychotic. In order scare of Will, he takes him on a plane ride where the two end up crashing and getting stuck in the wild.
Next in line in his television career, Witherspoon was in Fox
’s Living Single
(1997) episode "Three Men and a Buckeye" as Smoke Eye Howard who was the protagonist Overton’s uncle, who had a son who was the Buckeyes'
quarterback.
After this, John Witherspoon played his biggest role in a television series in the Wayans Brothers (1995–1999). The series, which aired on the WB Network, starred Shawn Wayans and Marlon Wayans
, who played brothers Shawn and Marlon Williams, and Witherspoon as their dad, John "Pops" Williams. In the first season, Shawn worked as a courier driver, while Marlon worked in his father's diner. The series was somewhat re-tooled starting in the second season, where Shawn and Marlon operated a newspaper stand in the lobby of a Manhattan office building, while Pops' Diner was located in the same building, across the way. The show aired for five seasons and now can be seen as re-runs on BET
and MTV2
. Also during that time, Witherspoon was on the Kids WB animation series Waynehead
, which was about a young boy who grew up in poor in the Harlem
neighborhood of New York
. The show was aired on Saturday mornings and was based on creator Damon Wayans'
own life.
, a reality television show that selected the comedian out of a group and gave him contract, in the Las Vegas finals. The show still airs today. Next in 2003 he was seen in The Proud Family
, an animation that aired on Disney Channel
, as Oran Jones in the episode “Adventures in Bebe Sitting.” Finally in 2003 he starred in the comedy show The Tracy Morgan Show
as Spoon. Witherspoon was seen in all 18 episodes of the show.
In 2004, he made a guest appearance on the Disney Channel’s Kim Possible
, which was an animation series about a teenage girl crime fighter who not only has to worrying about worldwide challenges but also family and school issues. He was the voice of Wayne, who was Wade’s uncle who was in the episode of rewriting history. Also in 2004 he was in Pryor Offenses, a television movie and played Willie the Wino.
In 2005, he was seen in the Comedy Central
talk show Weekends at the D.L. where he played the character of Michael Johnson. The next year he was on another television movie called Thugaboo: A Miracle on D-Roc’s Street, a story about a group of kids who find the true meaning of Christmas. In the movie he plays Real Santa, a Christmas singer on the radio.
His next appearance was on The Super Rumble Mixshow in 2008.
His latest television appearance was in The Boondocks
, portraying Robert Freeman.
In 2011 he will star in a Final Destination spoof with Shane Dawson on YouTube.
's The Jazz Singer
of 1980. The film is about a Jewish cantor who goes to California in order to make a career in music. In the film Witherspoon played a M.C. in the Cinderella Club.
based on the book of the same name by Robert Louis Stevenson
. In the film sisters Bonnie and Debbie visit San Diego where Debbie is later kidnapped in the zoo and doped up to do porno films. Witherspoon plays the role of a pimp in the film.
directed by Sandra Locke. The film is about a girl Nikki who finds this Ratboy Eugune while rummaging through the trash. She wants to show his uniqueness to the public but he wishes to remain out of the public eye. The film had a trouble and was a failure in theaters. In the movie John Witherspoon plays the role of Heavy.
. The film is about an actor who has trouble landing it big in Hollywood due to the stereotypical roles of his race. Throughout the film many African American actors of Hollywood are looked at, including John Witherspoon who plays Mr. Jones. In the film Witherspoon ad-libs most of his part.
directed by Clint Eastwood
. The film is based on the music and life of Charlie “Bird” Parker, who was a jazz saxophonist. The film depicts the short lived life of the thirty-four year old Parker. In the film, Witherspoon plays Sid.
directed and written by Keenen Ivory Wayans
. The film is a blaxploitation parody that features many African American actors that were part of blaxploitation
. The film is a urban war with a local crime lord, Mr. Big. In the film John Witherspoon plays a Reverend.
comedy House Party
. The film is about a teen named Kid who wants to go to a house party. He is grounded due to getting into a fight and then sneaks out later only to get a lesson from a group of thugs at the party. In the film Witherspoon plays Mr. Strickland.
, which was written and directed by Topper Carew. The film is about a comedian Terry, played by Martin Lawrence
who cannot pay off his $67 phone bill and is sleeping with Dukie’s wife. Dukie is the owner of Dukie’s comedy club. Dukie is played by John Witherspoon.
directed by Robert Townsend
. The film follows the three decade career of a band called the The Five Heartbeats. In the film Witherspoon plays Wild Rudy.
This was the third movie of the Killer Tomato series. Witherspoon is Evan Rood in the film.
directed by Reginald Hudlin
and starring Eddie Murphy
. The film also starred Martin Lawrence
and Halle Berry
. The Film grossed $131 million. Witherspoon plays the role of Mr. Jackson, Gerald Jackson’s father, and steals the spot light at the Thanksgiving dinner from other stars Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence with his quotes “Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!” and “the secret is, you gotta coordinate!” when talking to Marcus about his relationship with a girl. Just like in other movies Witherspoon is smacking his lips and licking his fingers in a certain way only he can do and is well known for. These two quotes are some of Witherspoon’s most famous. In the book Black Comedians on Black Comedy, by Darryl Littleton, Witherspoon is described as “when you mention John Witherspoon everybody says, ‘Bang, bang, bang!’”
directed, written and starring Robert Townsend
. The film is about a school teacher who is struck by a green meteor and then becomes a superhero that saves the neighborhood from a gang. Witherspoon stars as Clarence James Carter III.
directed by Carl Reiner
. The movie was making fun of erotic thrillers, which at the time were very popular. In the film Witherspoon plays Arch.
directed by Wes Craven
and starring Eddie Murphy
. Silas Green was ship inspector and the uncle to Julius Jones. In the beginning of the movie Silas inspects and abandoned ship that crashed in Brooklyn to find that it is full of corpses. The film did alright in box offices but did not fair well with critics.
directed by F. Gary Gray
. The movies starred Ice Cube
, as Craig Jones, and Chris Tucker
, as Smokey. The two have to figure out how to come up with $200 by Friday night in order to pay off a drug dealer. Craig was recently fired at his last job also making his father, Mr. Jones, tell him he needs to get another job and that the word of the day is "J-O-B". He tries to encourage him to be a dog catcher like himself. The film was a domestic success and would be followed up with two more sequels.
and starred Brad Garrett
. Witherspoon played Mel.
Los Angeles. Witherspoon is Bill in the film.
. The film was directed by Rusty Cundieff
and distributed by Trimark Pictures.
, a comedy directed by Tony Singletary
. The film is about life at an urban radio station and the relationships between the employees. Witherspoon plays the station manager, Wes Thomas. In the film, Wes wants the DJ to play an inappropriate play list but is resisted by the program director Jordan.
which was directed by Millicent Shelton
and distributed by Dimension Films
. The film was about a group from Harlem
that travel by bus down to Miami. Witherspoon plays Roscoe.
that was co-directed, co-written, co-produced, and starred Warren Beatty
and Haley Berry. The film is about a suicidal politician who is about to lose his re-election. He puts himself out there and is honest with his voters by having an effect on hip-hop music. In the film Witherspoon plays Reverend Morris.
directed by Michael Martin
and starring Master P
. The film is about two friends that find a truckload of cell phones and begin selling them off. Witherspoon plays Mr. Mimm.
which was Next Friday
. Witherspoon still plays Mr. Jones, Craig’s (Ice Cube
) father. Mr. Jones begins the movie by telling Craig that he has to go live with his Uncle Elroy, who won the lottery, because Debo is rumored to break out of jail and come get Craig. Witherspoon appears again later in the film when knocks out Baby Joker and makes a plan to save Day-Day. He also has another bathroom scene in the film because he ate a burrito with too much hot sauce.
directed by Reginald Hudlin
. The movie is about Leon Phelps (Tim Meadows) who is sex expert and therapist who admitted on his radio show that he would date any women. Witherspoon plays Scrap Iron in the film.
which starred Adam Sandler
. The film is about Satan’s three sons and which one will someday rule Hell. Witherspoon plays a small role as a street vendor.
starring Eddie Murphy
. The film was about a doctor who has the ability to talk to animals. Witherspoon plays a voice roll of the old prison bear.
series final of Friday After Next
. This time his role is limited to his ownership of a BBQ rib restaurant called “Bros. BBQ” that he and his brother Elroy own. He also rats out Moly's Donut Shop to the Health Department after he made Craig and Day-Day lose their jobs.
starring Kevin Hart
and Snoop Dogg
. The movie is about a customized airline that caters to African-Americans. Witherspoon plays a blind passenger on the trip. He wears a flamboyant yellow suit and has his iconic and comical scene where he is smacking his lips and licking his fingers.
again and played a role in the film Little Man
. The movie is about two guys planning to rob a couple, Daryl and Vanessa, by having Calvin pass as a baby that appears on the doorstep. Witherspoon plays Vanessa’s father who is suspicious about Calvin from the beginning.
as the character Gene. The movie is about a numerous couples having conversations about sex.
which was directed by Deon Taylor
. The film was about Freddie Manning who was always trying to hustle and needed the biggest hustle of his life in order to pay off a $10,000 debt. Witherspoon plays Mr. Wikes.
where a man finds out that he only has 1,000 words before he dies.
’s 2000 single "I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me)
". He was also in Field Mob
’s music video for their song “Sick of Being Lonely”. Other music movies include LL Cool J
’s “Ain’t Nobody” and Hitman Sammy Sam’s “Step Daddy”.
In December of 2011, John Witherspoon preformed his stand up comedy act once a agin on stage at the Funny Bone comedy club at Harrah's Casino in Tunica, Ms.
Hollywood Shuffle
Hollywood Shuffle is a 1987 comedy film that satirizes the racial stereotypes of African Americans in film and television. The film tracks the attempts of Bobby Taylor to become a successful actor and the mental and external roadblocks he encounters, represented through a series of interspersed...
(1987), Boomerang
Boomerang
A boomerang is a flying tool with a curved shape used as a weapon or for sport.-Description:A boomerang is usually thought of as a wooden device, although historically boomerang-like devices have also been made from bones. Modern boomerangs used for sport are often made from carbon fibre-reinforced...
(1992). He has also made appearances on television shows such as The Wayans Brothers (1995–99), The Tracy Morgan Show
The Tracy Morgan Show
The Tracy Morgan Show is an American sitcom that aired from December 2, 2003 to March 20, 2004 on NBC. The series stars Tracy Morgan and Tamala Jones. The show was canceled in its first season after 18 episodes .-Synopsis:...
(2003), Barnaby Jones
Barnaby Jones
Barnaby Jones is a television detective series starring Buddy Ebsen and Lee Meriwether as father- and daughter-in-law who run a private detective firm in Los Angeles. A spin-off from Cannon, the show ran on CBS from January 28, 1973 to April 3, 1980, beginning as a midseason replacement...
(1973) and The Boondocks
The Boondocks (TV series)
The Boondocks is an American animated series created by Aaron McGruder on Cartoon Network's late night programing block, Adult Swim, based on McGruder's comic strip of the same name...
(2005). Witherspoon has also recently finished his stand up comedy tour. He has also taken his success in acting and continued it with screen writing a movie called From the Old School where he takes the role as an elderly working man who tries to prevent a neighborhood convenience store from being developed into a strip club. Witherspoon has just come out with The John Witherspoon Collection, which is a line of comical greeting cards known as Spoon Cards. He is the official spokesman for a Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
used car dealership.
Biography
Witherspoon was born John Weatherspoon in Detroit, MichiganDetroit, Michigan
Detroit is the major city among the primary cultural, financial, and transportation centers in the Metro Detroit area, a region of 5.2 million people. As the seat of Wayne County, the city of Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan and serves as a major port on the Detroit River...
. John Witherspoon was born to the last name Weatherspoon but later changed it to Witherspoon. He also goes by the nicknames of Johnny Witherspoon and “Detroit” John Witherspoon. John was one of 11 children. One of his older siblings, William Weatherspoon, went on to become a songwriter in Detroit for Motown. He is best known for his work “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted." John Witherspoon is also related to Lamont Dozier
Lamont Dozier
Lamont Herbert Dozier is an American songwriter and record producer, born in Detroit, Michigan. Dozier has either co-written or produced several US Billboard #1 hits.-Career:...
who was a songwriter and record producer well known for hits coming from Martha & the Vandellas, The Supremes
The Supremes
The Supremes, an American female singing group, were the premier act of Motown Records during the 1960s.Originally founded as The Primettes in Detroit, Michigan, in 1959, The Supremes' repertoire included doo-wop, pop, soul, Broadway show tunes, psychedelic soul, and disco...
, The Four Tops, and The Isley Brothers
The Isley Brothers
The Isley Brothers are a highly influential, successful and long-running American music group consisting of different line-ups of six brothers, and a brother-in-law, Chris Jasper...
. John Witherspoon and his brother William grew up enjoying music. The young John continued his passion for music and learned how to play the trumpet and French Horn. Also during his childhood, Witherspoon did occasional work as a model. During the 1960s and 1970s, Witherspoon began to take a liking towards comedy. During that time he began his stand up comedy career. While doing stand up comedy he made many friends in the business. This included Tim Reid
Tim Reid
Timothy L. "Tim" Reid is an American actor, comedian and film director best known for his roles in prime time American television programs, such as Venus Flytrap on WKRP in Cincinnati , Marcel "Downtown" Brown on Simon & Simon , Ray Campbell on Sister, Sister and William Barnett on That 70's Show...
(while he was working on WKRP in Cincinnati
WKRP in Cincinnati
WKRP in Cincinnati is an American situation comedy that featured the misadventures of the staff of a struggling fictional radio station in Cincinnati, Ohio. The show was created by Hugh Wilson and was based upon his experiences working in advertising sales at Top 40 radio station WQXI in Atlanta...
and The Richard Pryor Show
The Richard Pryor Show
The Richard Pryor Show is an American comedy variety series starring Richard Pryor. It premiered on NBC on Tuesday, September 13, 1977 at 8 p.m. opposite ABC's popular television shows Laverne & Shirley and Happy Days....
), Robin Williams
Robin Williams
Robin McLaurin Williams is an American actor and comedian. Rising to fame with his role as the alien Mork in the TV series Mork and Mindy, and later stand-up comedy work, Williams has performed in many feature films since 1980. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance...
(also on The Richard Pryor Show), Jay Leno
Jay Leno
James Douglas Muir "Jay" Leno is an American stand-up comedian and television host.From 1992 to 2009, Leno was the host of NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Beginning in September 2009, Leno started a primetime talk show, titled The Jay Leno Show, which aired weeknights at 10:00 p.m. ,...
, and David Letterman
David Letterman
David Michael Letterman is an American television host and comedian. He hosts the late night television talk show, Late Show with David Letterman, broadcast on CBS. Letterman has been a fixture on late night television since the 1982 debut of Late Night with David Letterman on NBC...
. David Letterman and John Witherspoon became such good friends that Witherspoon asked Letterman to be the Godfather to both his children, John David and Alexander. Letterman would accept the privilege. Witherspoon’s stand up comedy career led to his comedian film career. His comical character was seen in his movies, TV shows, and now once again in his comedy tour. In 1988, he married Angela Robinson. They have two children, John David and Alexander.
1970s
John Witherspoon’s career as a stand up comedian made the transition into acting very easy. His first television appearance was on the 1970s CBSCBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
television show Barnaby Jones
Barnaby Jones
Barnaby Jones is a television detective series starring Buddy Ebsen and Lee Meriwether as father- and daughter-in-law who run a private detective firm in Los Angeles. A spin-off from Cannon, the show ran on CBS from January 28, 1973 to April 3, 1980, beginning as a midseason replacement...
, which was about a father and daughter that ran a private detective and investigation firm in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
. In the episode he appeared in he played the role of a camp counselor for kids who are drug addicts. The episode he was in was also Sean Penn
Sean Penn
Sean Justin Penn is an American actor, screenwriter and film director, also known for his political and social activism...
’s first acting job. Sean played the role of one of the kids that Witherspoon counseled in the camp.
After his appearance in Barnaby Jones, Witherspoon appeared in Good Times
Good Times
Good Times is an American sitcom that originally aired from February 8, 1974, until August 1, 1979, on the CBS television network. It was created by Eric Monte and Michael Evans, and developed by Norman Lear, the series' primary executive producer...
as a detective, What's Happening as a D.J., and The Incredible Hulk as Tom.
In 1977, Witherspoon became a regular on the series The Richard Pryor Show', an NBC
NBC
The National Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network and former radio network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Rockefeller Center with additional major offices near Los Angeles and in Chicago...
American comedy series.
This then led to his appearance in WKRP In Cincinnati
WKRP in Cincinnati
WKRP in Cincinnati is an American situation comedy that featured the misadventures of the staff of a struggling fictional radio station in Cincinnati, Ohio. The show was created by Hugh Wilson and was based upon his experiences working in advertising sales at Top 40 radio station WQXI in Atlanta...
in 1978 in the fourth season, episode 84. Witherspoon played Detective Davies.
1980s
In 1981, he appeared in Hill Street BluesHill Street Blues
Hill Street Blues is an American serial police drama that was first aired on NBC in 1981 and ran for 146 episodes on primetime into 1987. Chronicling the lives of the staff of a single police precinct in an unnamed American city, the show received critical acclaim and its production innovations ...
, an NBC police drama, as a businessman who tries to buy a hotdog from an undercover Detective Belker.
In 1981, he had an appearance on L.A. Law
L.A. Law
L.A. Law is a US television legal drama that ran on NBC from September 15, 1986 to May 19, 1994. L.A. Law reflected the social and cultural ideologies of the 1980s and early 1990s and many of the cases featured on the show dealt with hot topic issues such as abortion, racism, gay rights,...
, an NBC legal drama, in the episode “On Your Honor” as Mark Steadman.
In 1986, he was on the television series You Again?
You Again?
You Again? is an American situation comedy that was broadcast by NBC from February 27, 1986 to March 30, 1987 for two seasons.-Plot:You Again? stars Jack Klugman as Henry Willows, a man still embittered from his divorce ten years earlier, who had made no effort to see his son Matt during that time...
as Osborne.
Next Witherspoon was seen on Frank's Place
Frank's Place
Frank's Place is an American comedy-drama series which aired on CBS for 22 episodes during the 1987-1988 television schedule. The series was created by Hugh Wilson and executive produced by Wilson and series star Tim Reid.-Plot:Set in New Orleans, Frank's Place chronicles the life of Frank Parrish...
(1987). Also in 1987 he made a guest appearance on 227
227 (TV series)
227 is an American situation comedy that originally aired on NBC from September 14, 1985, until May 6, 1990. The series starred Marla Gibbs as a sharp-tongued, inner-city resident gossip and housewife, Mary Jenkins...
, which was an NBC comedy about women who lived in a majority black apartment complex. The final show Witherspoon was in 1987 was What's Happening Now!!
What's Happening Now!!
What's Happening Now!! is an American television sitcom spinoff of What's Happening!!. It ran in syndication from 1985 to 1988. Like the previous series, What's Happening Now!! is loosely based on the motion picture Cooley High...
which was about a writer who ended up buying the rights to half of restaurant.
A year later Witherspoon was in Amen
Amen (TV series)
Amen is an American television sitcom produced by Carson Productions that ran from September 27, 1986 to May 11, 1991 on NBC. Set in Sherman Hemsley's real-life hometown of Philadelphia, Amen starred Hemsley as the deacon of a church and was part of a wave of successful sitcoms on NBC in the 1980s...
(1988), an American television sitcom that ran on NBC, as the bailiff. The show was known for being one of the shows during the 1980s that featured an almost entirely black cast. Other shows with this feature included The Cosby Show
The Cosby Show
The Cosby Show is an American television situation comedy starring Bill Cosby, which aired for eight seasons on NBC from September 20, 1984 until April 30, 1992...
and 227
227 (TV series)
227 is an American situation comedy that originally aired on NBC from September 14, 1985, until May 6, 1990. The series starred Marla Gibbs as a sharp-tongued, inner-city resident gossip and housewife, Mary Jenkins...
, which Witherspoon was also in.
1990s
Five years later he appeared again in Martin, an HBO television series based on Martin LawrenceMartin Lawrence
Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence is an American actor, film director, film producer, screenwriter, and stand up comedian. He came to fame during the 1990s, establishing a Hollywood career as a leading actor, most notably the films Bad Boys, Blue Streak, and Big Momma's House...
, who plays a disc jockey in Detroit. Witherspoon appeared as Martin’s Uncle Junior in the episode “Thanks for Nothing”.
Next came spots on Townsend Television
Townsend Television
Townsend Television is an American sketch comedy television show that aired on Fox on Sunday nights from September 12, 1993 to December 26, 1993.-Overview:Each episode featured stand up comedy from star Robert Townsend...
(1993), Cosmic Slop
Cosmic Slop
Cosmic Slop is the fifth studio album by Funkadelic, released in 1973 on Westbound Records. While it has been favorably reevaluated by critics long after its original release, the album was a commercial failure, producing no charting singles, and making only #112 on the Billboard albums...
(1994), and Murder Was The Case
Murder Was the Case
Murder Was the Case is a 1994 short film and soundtrack album starring Snoop Doggy Dogg. The 18 minute film was directed by Dr. Dre and Fab Five Freddy and chronicles the fictional death of Snoop Dogg and his resurrection after making a deal with the Devil...
(1994) as a drunk. Also in 1994, Witherspoon was in the NBC’s Fresh Prince of Bel Air and played Augusteus in the episode “The Harder They Fall”. Augusteus is the father of Lisa, the girl Will falls in love with, who is seen as stern and almost psychotic. In order scare of Will, he takes him on a plane ride where the two end up crashing and getting stuck in the wild.
Next in line in his television career, Witherspoon was in Fox
Fox Broadcasting Company
Fox Broadcasting Company, commonly referred to as Fox Network or simply Fox , is an American commercial broadcasting television network owned by Fox Entertainment Group, part of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. Launched on October 9, 1986, Fox was the highest-rated broadcast network in the...
’s Living Single
Living Single
Living Single is an American television sitcom which aired for five seasons on the Fox network from August 29, 1993 to January 1, 1998. The show centered on the lives of six friends who share personal and professional experiences while living in a Brooklyn brownstone.Throughout its run, Living...
(1997) episode "Three Men and a Buckeye" as Smoke Eye Howard who was the protagonist Overton’s uncle, who had a son who was the Buckeyes'
Ohio State Buckeyes
The Ohio State Buckeyes are the intercollegiate sports teams and players of The Ohio State University, named after the state tree, the Buckeye. The Buckeyes participate in the NCAA's Division I in all sports and the Big Ten Conference in most sports...
quarterback.
After this, John Witherspoon played his biggest role in a television series in the Wayans Brothers (1995–1999). The series, which aired on the WB Network, starred Shawn Wayans and Marlon Wayans
Marlon Wayans
Marlon L. Wayans is an American actor, model producer, comedian, writer, and director of movies, beginning with his role as a pedestrian in I'm Gonna Git You Sucka in 1988...
, who played brothers Shawn and Marlon Williams, and Witherspoon as their dad, John "Pops" Williams. In the first season, Shawn worked as a courier driver, while Marlon worked in his father's diner. The series was somewhat re-tooled starting in the second season, where Shawn and Marlon operated a newspaper stand in the lobby of a Manhattan office building, while Pops' Diner was located in the same building, across the way. The show aired for five seasons and now can be seen as re-runs on BET
Bet
Bet or BET may refer to:* A wager in gambling* Basic Economics Test * Bet , the second letter in many Semitic alphabets, including Aramaic, Hebrew, Phoenician and Syriac* Brunauer-Emmett-Teller isotherm. See BET_theory...
and MTV2
MTV2
MTV2 is a cable network that is widely available in the United States on digital cable and satellite television, and is progressively being added to analogue cable lineups across the nation...
. Also during that time, Witherspoon was on the Kids WB animation series Waynehead
Waynehead
Waynehead was a Saturday morning animated series created by American actor Damon Wayans. It was produced by Warner Bros. Animation and Nelvana. It ran on Kids' WB from 1996-1997. It is about a young boy named Damien "Damey" Wayne from a poor background with a club foot and was based on Wayans' own...
, which was about a young boy who grew up in poor in the Harlem
Harlem
Harlem is a neighborhood in the New York City borough of Manhattan, which since the 1920s has been a major African-American residential, cultural and business center. Originally a Dutch village, formally organized in 1658, it is named after the city of Haarlem in the Netherlands...
neighborhood of New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. The show was aired on Saturday mornings and was based on creator Damon Wayans'
Damon Wayans
Damon Kyle Wayans is an American stand-up comedian, writer and actor, one of the Wayans brothers.-Early life:Wayans was born in New York City, New York, the son of Elvira, a homemaker and social worker, and Howell Wayans, a supermarket manager...
own life.
2000–present
In 2003, Witherspoon made a showing on NBC’s Last Comic StandingLast Comic Standing
Last Comic Standing is an American reality television talent show that has aired from 2003 through 2010.The goal of the program is to select a comedian from a group, who will receive a development contract with the NBC network, and a television special first to air on the cable-TV network Comedy...
, a reality television show that selected the comedian out of a group and gave him contract, in the Las Vegas finals. The show still airs today. Next in 2003 he was seen in The Proud Family
The Proud Family
The Proud Family is an American animated television series that premiered on Disney Channel from September 15, 2001 to August 19, 2005.-Production:...
, an animation that aired on Disney Channel
Disney Channel
Disney Channel is an American basic cable and satellite television network, owned by the Disney-ABC Television Group division of The Walt Disney Company. It is under the direction of Disney-ABC Television Group President Anne Sweeney. The channel's headquarters is located on West Alameda Ave. in...
, as Oran Jones in the episode “Adventures in Bebe Sitting.” Finally in 2003 he starred in the comedy show The Tracy Morgan Show
The Tracy Morgan Show
The Tracy Morgan Show is an American sitcom that aired from December 2, 2003 to March 20, 2004 on NBC. The series stars Tracy Morgan and Tamala Jones. The show was canceled in its first season after 18 episodes .-Synopsis:...
as Spoon. Witherspoon was seen in all 18 episodes of the show.
In 2004, he made a guest appearance on the Disney Channel’s Kim Possible
Kim Possible
Kim Possible is an American animated television series about a teenage crime fighter who has the task of dealing with worldwide, family, and school issues every day. The show is action-oriented, but also has a light-hearted atmosphere and often lampoons the conventions and clichés of the...
, which was an animation series about a teenage girl crime fighter who not only has to worrying about worldwide challenges but also family and school issues. He was the voice of Wayne, who was Wade’s uncle who was in the episode of rewriting history. Also in 2004 he was in Pryor Offenses, a television movie and played Willie the Wino.
In 2005, he was seen in the Comedy Central
Comedy Central
Comedy Central is an American cable television and satellite television channel that carries comedy programming, both original and syndicated....
talk show Weekends at the D.L. where he played the character of Michael Johnson. The next year he was on another television movie called Thugaboo: A Miracle on D-Roc’s Street, a story about a group of kids who find the true meaning of Christmas. In the movie he plays Real Santa, a Christmas singer on the radio.
His next appearance was on The Super Rumble Mixshow in 2008.
His latest television appearance was in The Boondocks
The Boondocks (TV series)
The Boondocks is an American animated series created by Aaron McGruder on Cartoon Network's late night programing block, Adult Swim, based on McGruder's comic strip of the same name...
, portraying Robert Freeman.
In 2011 he will star in a Final Destination spoof with Shane Dawson on YouTube.
The Jazz Singer
John Witherspoon did not have as easy a start on the big screen as he did in television. He got off to a somewhat slower start. His first big film was Neil DiamondNeil Diamond
Neil Leslie Diamond is an American singer-songwriter with a career spanning over five decades from the 1960s until the present....
's The Jazz Singer
The Jazz Singer
The Jazz Singer may refer to:* The Jazz Singer , a 1925 Broadway play* The Jazz Singer , a film version of the play, and the first feature-length motion picture with talking sequences...
of 1980. The film is about a Jewish cantor who goes to California in order to make a career in music. In the film Witherspoon played a M.C. in the Cinderella Club.
Kidnapped
His next was the 1986 animated film KidnappedKidnapped (1986 film)
Kidnapped is a 1986 animated movie directed by Geoff Collins. The film is based on the book by the same name Kidnapped by author Robert Louis Stevenson....
based on the book of the same name by Robert Louis Stevenson
Robert Louis Stevenson
Robert Louis Balfour Stevenson was a Scottish novelist, poet, essayist and travel writer. His best-known books include Treasure Island, Kidnapped, and Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde....
. In the film sisters Bonnie and Debbie visit San Diego where Debbie is later kidnapped in the zoo and doped up to do porno films. Witherspoon plays the role of a pimp in the film.
Ratboy
Later in 1986, Witherspoon had a role in the film RatboyRatboy
Ratboy is a film released in 1986 and directed by and starring Sondra Locke. Though the film had a troubled production and was both a critical and commercial failure , it has maintained somewhat of a cult status throughout the years due to its make-up effects designed by Rick Baker.Ratboy did...
directed by Sandra Locke. The film is about a girl Nikki who finds this Ratboy Eugune while rummaging through the trash. She wants to show his uniqueness to the public but he wishes to remain out of the public eye. The film had a trouble and was a failure in theaters. In the movie John Witherspoon plays the role of Heavy.
Hollywood Shuffle
In 1987, John Witherspoon got his big break though due to the film Hollywood Shuffle, directed by Robert TownsendRobert Townsend
Robert Townsend is an American actor, comedian, film director, and writer.-Biography:Townsend was born in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Shirley and Robert Townsend. Raised by a single mom of four children on welfare, Townsend overcame his adversities to be at the top of the entertainment business...
. The film is about an actor who has trouble landing it big in Hollywood due to the stereotypical roles of his race. Throughout the film many African American actors of Hollywood are looked at, including John Witherspoon who plays Mr. Jones. In the film Witherspoon ad-libs most of his part.
Bird
The next year, Witherspoon had a role in the 1988 film BirdBird
Birds are feathered, winged, bipedal, endothermic , egg-laying, vertebrate animals. Around 10,000 living species and 188 families makes them the most speciose class of tetrapod vertebrates. They inhabit ecosystems across the globe, from the Arctic to the Antarctic. Extant birds range in size from...
directed by Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood
Clinton "Clint" Eastwood, Jr. is an American film actor, director, producer, composer and politician. Eastwood first came to prominence as a supporting cast member in the TV series Rawhide...
. The film is based on the music and life of Charlie “Bird” Parker, who was a jazz saxophonist. The film depicts the short lived life of the thirty-four year old Parker. In the film, Witherspoon plays Sid.
I'm Gonna Git You Sucka
That same year, Witherspoon was in the film I'm Gonna Git You SuckaI'm Gonna Git You Sucka
I'm Gonna Git You Sucka is a 1988 blaxploitation parody film written by, directed by and starring Keenen Ivory Wayans. Featured in the film are several black actors who were part of the blaxploitation phenomenon; including Jim Brown, Bernie Casey, Antonio Fargas and Isaac Hayes...
directed and written by Keenen Ivory Wayans
Keenen Ivory Wayans
Keenen Ivory Wayans is an American actor, comedian, director and writer known as the host and creator of the FOX sketch comedy series In Living Color, which also starred Jim Carrey, Jamie Foxx, brothers Damon Wayans, Shawn Wayans and Marlon Wayans, sister Kim Wayans, David Alan Grier, Tommy...
. The film is a blaxploitation parody that features many African American actors that were part of blaxploitation
Blaxploitation
Blaxploitation or blacksploitation is a film genre which emerged in the United States circa 1970. It is considered an ethnic sub-genre of the general category of exploitation films. Blaxploitation films were originally made specifically for an urban black audience, although the genre's audience...
. The film is a urban war with a local crime lord, Mr. Big. In the film John Witherspoon plays a Reverend.
House Party
Two years later in 1990, Witherspoon was in the New Line CinemaNew Line Cinema
New Line Cinema, often simply referred to as New Line, is an American film studio. It was founded in 1967 by Robert Shaye and Michael Lynne as a film distributor, later becoming an independent film studio. It became a subsidiary of Time Warner in 1996 and was merged with larger sister studio Warner...
comedy House Party
House party
A house party in the English-speaking world is typically a type of party where medium to large groups of people gather at the residence of the party's host. In modern usage, a house party is typically associated with teenage or young adult crowds, loud music, dancing, and the consumption of alcohol...
. The film is about a teen named Kid who wants to go to a house party. He is grounded due to getting into a fight and then sneaks out later only to get a lesson from a group of thugs at the party. In the film Witherspoon plays Mr. Strickland.
Talkin' Dirty After Dark
In 1991, Witherspoon was in the movie Talkin' Dirty After DarkTalkin' Dirty After Dark
Talkin' Dirty After Dark is a comedy film starring Martin Lawrence. The film was directed by Topper Carew, who also wrote the film. Carew also directed, created, and produced Lawrence's TV show, Martin...
, which was written and directed by Topper Carew. The film is about a comedian Terry, played by Martin Lawrence
Martin Lawrence
Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence is an American actor, film director, film producer, screenwriter, and stand up comedian. He came to fame during the 1990s, establishing a Hollywood career as a leading actor, most notably the films Bad Boys, Blue Streak, and Big Momma's House...
who cannot pay off his $67 phone bill and is sleeping with Dukie’s wife. Dukie is the owner of Dukie’s comedy club. Dukie is played by John Witherspoon.
The Five Heartbeats
Also in the same year, Witherspoon was in the movie The Five HeartbeatsThe Five Heartbeats
The Five Heartbeats is a 1991 musical drama film directed by Robert Townsend, who co-wrote the script with Keenan Ivory Wayans. Distributed by 20th Century Fox, the film's main cast includes Townsend, Michael Wright, Leon Robinson, Harry J. Lennix, Tico Wells, Harold Nicholas of the Nicholas...
directed by Robert Townsend
Robert Townsend
Robert Townsend is an American actor, comedian, film director, and writer.-Biography:Townsend was born in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Shirley and Robert Townsend. Raised by a single mom of four children on welfare, Townsend overcame his adversities to be at the top of the entertainment business...
. The film follows the three decade career of a band called the The Five Heartbeats. In the film Witherspoon plays Wild Rudy.
Killer Tomatoes Strike Back
His third and final movie of 1991 was Killer Tomatoes Strike BackKiller Tomatoes Strike Back
Killer Tomatoes Strike Back is the third film in the Killer Tomatoes film series, following Attack of the Killer Tomatoes and Return of the Killer Tomatoes and followed by Killer Tomatoes Eat France...
This was the third movie of the Killer Tomato series. Witherspoon is Evan Rood in the film.
Boomerang
To start off 1992, John Witherspoon as in the movie BoomerangBoomerang
A boomerang is a flying tool with a curved shape used as a weapon or for sport.-Description:A boomerang is usually thought of as a wooden device, although historically boomerang-like devices have also been made from bones. Modern boomerangs used for sport are often made from carbon fibre-reinforced...
directed by Reginald Hudlin
Reginald Hudlin
Reginald Alan Hudlin is an American writer and film director.-Biography:Hudlin is the son of Helen , a teacher, and Warrington W. Hudlin, Sr., an insurance executive and teacher...
and starring Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy
Edward Regan "Eddie" Murphy is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, singer, director, and musician....
. The film also starred Martin Lawrence
Martin Lawrence
Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence is an American actor, film director, film producer, screenwriter, and stand up comedian. He came to fame during the 1990s, establishing a Hollywood career as a leading actor, most notably the films Bad Boys, Blue Streak, and Big Momma's House...
and Halle Berry
Halle Berry
Halle Berry is an American actress and a former fashion model. Berry received an Emmy, Golden Globe, SAG, and an NAACP Image Award for Introducing Dorothy Dandridge and won an Academy Award for Best Actress and was nominated for a BAFTA Award in 2001 for her performance in Monster's Ball, becoming...
. The Film grossed $131 million. Witherspoon plays the role of Mr. Jackson, Gerald Jackson’s father, and steals the spot light at the Thanksgiving dinner from other stars Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence with his quotes “Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!” and “the secret is, you gotta coordinate!” when talking to Marcus about his relationship with a girl. Just like in other movies Witherspoon is smacking his lips and licking his fingers in a certain way only he can do and is well known for. These two quotes are some of Witherspoon’s most famous. In the book Black Comedians on Black Comedy, by Darryl Littleton, Witherspoon is described as “when you mention John Witherspoon everybody says, ‘Bang, bang, bang!’”
Meteor Man
Next Witherspoon was in the superhero film Meteor ManMeteor Man
Meteor Man may refer to:* The Meteor Man , a 1993 film about a superhero starring Robert Townsend** Meteor Man , a 1993 limited series by Marvel Comics based on the film...
directed, written and starring Robert Townsend
Robert Townsend
Robert Townsend is an American actor, comedian, film director, and writer.-Biography:Townsend was born in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Shirley and Robert Townsend. Raised by a single mom of four children on welfare, Townsend overcame his adversities to be at the top of the entertainment business...
. The film is about a school teacher who is struck by a green meteor and then becomes a superhero that saves the neighborhood from a gang. Witherspoon stars as Clarence James Carter III.
Fatal Instinct
Later in 1993, Witherspoon had a role in the film Fatal InstinctFatal Instinct
Fatal Instinct is a 1993 comedy film directed by Carl Reiner. It parodies the erotic thriller movie genre, which at the time had reached its commercial peak. The film stars Armand Assante as a lawyer and cop named Ned Ravine who has an affair with a woman named Lola Cain played by Sean Young...
directed by Carl Reiner
Carl Reiner
Carl Reiner is an American actor, film director, producer, writer and comedian. He has won nine Emmy Awards and one Grammy Award during this career...
. The movie was making fun of erotic thrillers, which at the time were very popular. In the film Witherspoon plays Arch.
Vampire in Brooklyn
Two years later in 1995, one of Witherspoon’s biggest years, he played the role Silas Green in the horror comedy Vampire in BrooklynVampire in Brooklyn
Vampire in Brooklyn is a 1995 horror comedy film directed by Wes Craven, and starring Eddie Murphy and Angela Bassett. Allen Payne, Kadeem Hardison, John Witherspoon, Zakes Mokae, and Joanna Cassidy co-star. Eddie Murphy wrote the film's script, along with Vernon Lynch and older brother Charles Q....
directed by Wes Craven
Wes Craven
Wesley Earl "Wes" Craven is an American actor, film director, writer, producer, perhaps best known as the director of many horror films, particularly slasher films, including the famed A Nightmare on Elm Street and Wes Craven's New Nightmare, featuring the iconic Freddy Krueger character, the...
and starring Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy
Edward Regan "Eddie" Murphy is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, singer, director, and musician....
. Silas Green was ship inspector and the uncle to Julius Jones. In the beginning of the movie Silas inspects and abandoned ship that crashed in Brooklyn to find that it is full of corpses. The film did alright in box offices but did not fair well with critics.
Friday
Next was what is arguably John Witherspoon’s most well known film appearance in the 1995 box office hit FridayFriday (film)
Friday is a 1995 stoner comedy-drama-buddy film directed by F. Gary Gray. Starring Ice Cube, Chris Tucker, Nia Long, Bernie Mac, Tommy Lister, Jr...
directed by F. Gary Gray
F. Gary Gray
Felix Gary Gray is an American music video and film director.-Life and career:Gray began his career in 1992 with his music video for Ice Cube's "It Was a Good Day." The video, a literal adaptation of the lyrics, was critically well received. He would go on to direct subsequent videos for Ice Cube,...
. The movies starred Ice Cube
Ice Cube
O'Shea Jackson , better known by his stage name Ice Cube, is an American rapper and actor. He began his career as a member of the hip-hop group C.I.A. and later joined the rap group N.W.A. After leaving N.W.A in December 1989, he built a successful solo career in music, and also as a writer,...
, as Craig Jones, and Chris Tucker
Chris Tucker
Christopher "Chris" Tucker is an American actor and comedian. He is best known for playing the role of Detective James Carter in the Rush Hour film series.-Early life:...
, as Smokey. The two have to figure out how to come up with $200 by Friday night in order to pay off a drug dealer. Craig was recently fired at his last job also making his father, Mr. Jones, tell him he needs to get another job and that the word of the day is "J-O-B". He tries to encourage him to be a dog catcher like himself. The film was a domestic success and would be followed up with two more sequels.
A Delicatessen Story
In 1996, he had a role in A Delicatessen Story which was directed by Rob SchillerRob Schiller
Rob Schiller is an American television director and producer.Since 1984, Schiller has amassed a number of directorial credits namely A Different World, Living Single, Ellen, Malcolm & Eddie, The King of Queens, Two and a Half Men, Til Death, $h*! My Dad Says and other television series.In 1990 and...
and starred Brad Garrett
Brad Garrett
Bradley "Brad" Garrett is an American actor, voice actor, stand-up comedian, and professional poker player. Throughout he has appeared in numerous television and film roles....
. Witherspoon played Mel.
Fakin' Da Funk
Witherspoon was next seen in Hollywood in the 1997 movie Fakin’ Da Funk directed and written by Timothy A. Chey. The movie is about a Chinese boy who is adopted by African American parents and relocated to South CentralSouth Central
South Central may refer to:* South Los Angeles , an area in Los Angeles, California* South Central Alaska, a region containing Anchorage metropolitan area* South Central Railway Zone , a part of Indian Railways...
Los Angeles. Witherspoon is Bill in the film.
Sprung
Also in 1997, he played the roll of a detective in the comedy film SprungSprung
Sprung is a video game for the Nintendo DS. It was released in North America on December 7, 2004. Sprung puts players in the shoes of either Becky or Brett who try to get an NPC of the opposite sex to fall in love with them. Players "flirt" their way through conversations; player responses...
. The film was directed by Rusty Cundieff
Rusty Cundieff
George Arthur "Rusty" Cundieff is an American film/television director, actor, and writer. His notable credits are as director/writer of and lead actor in the This Is Spinal Tap-like rap satire Fear of a Black Hat, as writer of the second installment to House Party, and as director of the horror...
and distributed by Trimark Pictures.
High Freakquency
In 1998, Witherspoon starred in High FreakquencyHigh Freakquency
High Freakquency is a 1998 comedy directed by Tony Singletary about life at an urban radio station.-Synopsis:Where Comedy Is In Heavy Rotation...
, a comedy directed by Tony Singletary
Tony Singletary
Tony Singletary is anAmerican television director.In 1977, he began his career as a stage manager on the sitcom What's Happening!!, then stage-managed for Good Times and The Jeffersons. He made his directorial debut on the series Busting Loose starring Adam Arkin...
. The film is about life at an urban radio station and the relationships between the employees. Witherspoon plays the station manager, Wes Thomas. In the film, Wes wants the DJ to play an inappropriate play list but is resisted by the program director Jordan.
Ride
Later in 1998 Witherspoon was part of RideRide (film)
Ride is a 1998 comedy film, written and directed by Millicent Shelton. The film stars Fredro Starr, Malik Yoba, and Melissa De Sousa. The film is sometimes confused with The Ride, another film released in 1998.-Plot:...
which was directed by Millicent Shelton
Millicent Shelton
Millicent B. Shelton is an American music video, television and film director.Shelton has directed over a hundred music videos for artists such as Mary J. Blige, R...
and distributed by Dimension Films
Dimension Films
Dimension Films is a motion picture unit currently a part of The Weinstein Company. It was formerly used as Bob Weinstein's label within Miramax Films, to produce and release genre films...
. The film was about a group from Harlem
Harlem
Harlem is a neighborhood in the New York City borough of Manhattan, which since the 1920s has been a major African-American residential, cultural and business center. Originally a Dutch village, formally organized in 1658, it is named after the city of Haarlem in the Netherlands...
that travel by bus down to Miami. Witherspoon plays Roscoe.
Bulworth
Also in 1998, he made an appearance in the movie BulworthBulworth
Bulworth is a 1998 American film co-written, co-produced and directed by the film's star, Warren Beatty. It was loosely based on the life of Beatty's friend, Tennessee political figure John Jay Hooker. It co-stars Halle Berry, Oliver Platt, Don Cheadle, Paul Sorvino, Jack Warden, and Isaiah...
that was co-directed, co-written, co-produced, and starred Warren Beatty
Warren Beatty
Warren Beatty born March 30, 1937) is an American actor, producer, screenwriter and director. He has received a total of fourteen Academy Award nominations, winning one for Best Director in 1982. He has also won four Golden Globe Awards including the Cecil B. DeMille Award.-Early life and...
and Haley Berry. The film is about a suicidal politician who is about to lose his re-election. He puts himself out there and is honest with his voters by having an effect on hip-hop music. In the film Witherspoon plays Reverend Morris.
I Got the Hook Up
His final movie appearance in 1998 was the film I Got the Hook UpI Got the Hook Up
I Got the Hook-Up is a 1998 crime comedy film, starring A.J. Johnson and Master P, and directed by Michael Martin. This was No Limit Records first theatrical release.-Plot:...
directed by Michael Martin
Michael Martin
Michael Martin may refer to:*Micheál Martin, Irish politician*Michael Martin , Australian rules footballer*Michael Martin , fictional character on the Australian soap opera Neighbours...
and starring Master P
Master P
Percy Robert Miller , better known by his stage name Master P or his business name P. Miller, is an American rapper, actor, entrepreneur, investor, and producer. He is the founder of the popular label No Limit Records, which went bankrupt and was relaunched as New No Limit Records through Koch...
. The film is about two friends that find a truckload of cell phones and begin selling them off. Witherspoon plays Mr. Mimm.
Next Friday
Two years later, Witherspoon appeared in the sequel to FridayFriday (film)
Friday is a 1995 stoner comedy-drama-buddy film directed by F. Gary Gray. Starring Ice Cube, Chris Tucker, Nia Long, Bernie Mac, Tommy Lister, Jr...
which was Next Friday
Next Friday
Next Friday is a 2000 comedy film, and the sequel to the 1995 film Friday. This is the first film to be produced by producer Ice Cube's film production company Cubevision...
. Witherspoon still plays Mr. Jones, Craig’s (Ice Cube
Ice Cube
O'Shea Jackson , better known by his stage name Ice Cube, is an American rapper and actor. He began his career as a member of the hip-hop group C.I.A. and later joined the rap group N.W.A. After leaving N.W.A in December 1989, he built a successful solo career in music, and also as a writer,...
) father. Mr. Jones begins the movie by telling Craig that he has to go live with his Uncle Elroy, who won the lottery, because Debo is rumored to break out of jail and come get Craig. Witherspoon appears again later in the film when knocks out Baby Joker and makes a plan to save Day-Day. He also has another bathroom scene in the film because he ate a burrito with too much hot sauce.
The Ladies Man
Also in 2000, Witherspoon played a part in the movie The Ladies ManThe Ladies Man
The Ladies Man is a 1961 American comedy film directed by and starring Jerry Lewis. It was released on June 28, 1961 by Paramount.-Plot:...
directed by Reginald Hudlin
Reginald Hudlin
Reginald Alan Hudlin is an American writer and film director.-Biography:Hudlin is the son of Helen , a teacher, and Warrington W. Hudlin, Sr., an insurance executive and teacher...
. The movie is about Leon Phelps (Tim Meadows) who is sex expert and therapist who admitted on his radio show that he would date any women. Witherspoon plays Scrap Iron in the film.
Little Nicky
That same year he appeared in Little NickyLittle Nicky
Little Nicky is a 2000 American comedy film directed by Steven Brill. It stars Adam Sandler as Nicky, one of Satan's three sons.-Plot:The story revolves around a struggle to determine which of Satan's three sons will succeed their father as ruler of Hell...
which starred Adam Sandler
Adam Sandler
Adam Richard Sandler is an American actor, comedian, screenwriter, musician, and film producer.After becoming a Saturday Night Live cast member, Sandler went on to star in several Hollywood feature films that grossed over $100 million at the box office...
. The film is about Satan’s three sons and which one will someday rule Hell. Witherspoon plays a small role as a street vendor.
Dr. Dolittle 2
In 2001, Witherspoon was in the sequel Dr. Dolittle 2Dr. Dolittle 2
Dr. Dolittle 2 is a 2001 American comedy film, and the theatrical sequel to the 1998 film Dr. Dolittle. The continuing tale of the doctor who can talk to the animals—this time, it's Dolittle versus Darwin when the animals launch a labor strike to protect their forest from unscrupulous human...
starring Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy
Edward Regan "Eddie" Murphy is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, singer, director, and musician....
. The film was about a doctor who has the ability to talk to animals. Witherspoon plays a voice roll of the old prison bear.
Friday After Next
In 2002 Witherspoon played a final role in the FridayFriday
Friday is the day between Thursday and Saturday. In countries adopting Monday-first conventions as recommended by the international standard ISO 8601, it is the fifth day of the week. It is the sixth day in countries that adopt a Sunday-first convention as in Abrahamic tradition...
series final of Friday After Next
Friday After Next
Friday After Next is a 2002 comedy film directed by Marcus Raboy, starring Ice Cube and Mike Epps. It is the third installment in the Friday series, and the sequel to the 2000 film Next Friday.-Plot:...
. This time his role is limited to his ownership of a BBQ rib restaurant called “Bros. BBQ” that he and his brother Elroy own. He also rats out Moly's Donut Shop to the Health Department after he made Craig and Day-Day lose their jobs.
Soul Plane
Witherspoon’s next Hollywood appearance was in the 2004 comedy Soul PlaneSoul Plane
Soul Plane is a 2004 comedy film starring Kevin Hart, Method Man, Tom Arnold, D.L. Hughley, Mo'Nique, Loni Love, K.D. Aubert, Godfrey, and Snoop Dogg.-Plot:...
starring Kevin Hart
Kevin Hart
Kevin John Hart is a British-Australian theologian, philosopher and poet. He is currently Edwin B. Kyle Professor of Christian Studies and Chair of the Religious Studies Department at the University of Virginia...
and Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg
Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...
. The movie is about a customized airline that caters to African-Americans. Witherspoon plays a blind passenger on the trip. He wears a flamboyant yellow suit and has his iconic and comical scene where he is smacking his lips and licking his fingers.
Little Man
In 2006, he teamed up with the Wayans brothersWayans family
The Wayans family is a family including many directors, screenwriters, comedians and actors. Their parents are Howell and Elvira Wayans. There are ten siblings in the first generation, with many children of their own....
again and played a role in the film Little Man
Little Man
Little Man may refer to:In history:*Little Man , a Cheyenne Holy ManIn music:*"Little Man" , a 1999 single by Alan Jackson*"Little Man" , a 1966 single by Sonny & Cher...
. The movie is about two guys planning to rob a couple, Daryl and Vanessa, by having Calvin pass as a baby that appears on the doorstep. Witherspoon plays Vanessa’s father who is suspicious about Calvin from the beginning.
After Sex
In 2007, Witherspoon had a small role the film After SexAfter Sex
After Sex is an American 2007 comedy-drama film about several couples having conversations after sex. It looks at the complexity of modern day relationships told through nine separate couples...
as the character Gene. The movie is about a numerous couples having conversations about sex.
The Hustle
The next year he appeared in The HustleThe Hustle
The Hustle was the sixth album released by the trio known as G. Love & Special Sauce. G. Love & Special Sauce are, G. Love , Jeffrey Clemens , and Jimmy Jazz Prescott .-Track listing:#"Astronaut" – 3:23#"Don't Drop It!" – 2:45#"Love" – 3:39#"Booty Call" – 3:25#"Give It to You" –...
which was directed by Deon Taylor
Deon Taylor
Deon Taylor is an American film director and screenwriter for horror films.-Early life:Deon Taylor was born in Chicago, Illinois and grew up in Gary, Indiana...
. The film was about Freddie Manning who was always trying to hustle and needed the biggest hustle of his life in order to pay off a $10,000 debt. Witherspoon plays Mr. Wikes.
A Thousand Words
In 2011, John Witherspoon will make an appearance in a movie called A Thousand WordsA Thousand Words
A Thousand Words is the sixth album for artist Styrofoam aka Arne Van Petegem. It is also the first for label Nettwerk.A Thousand Words eschews previous methods of what Styrofoam calls “bedroom producing” in favor of a fresh approach...
where a man finds out that he only has 1,000 words before he dies.
Last Friday
This film will release in the summer 2012 it will reprise his recurring role as William Jones, Craig's father.Music videos
John Witherspoon has appeared in a number of music videos in the music industry. He was in the music video for hip-hop superstar Jay-ZJay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
’s 2000 single "I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me)
I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me)
"I Just Wanna Love U " is a song by Jay-Z, released as the first single from his 2000 album The Dynasty: Roc La Familia. It is produced by The Neptunes and features a chorus sung by Neptunes member Pharrell as well as Shay Haley and Omillio Sparks who all remain uncredited...
". He was also in Field Mob
Field Mob
Field Mob is an American Hip-Hop group from Albany, Georgia composed of artists Shawn Timothy Johnson and Darion Crawford better known by their stage names Shawn Jay and Smoke respectively...
’s music video for their song “Sick of Being Lonely”. Other music movies include LL Cool J
LL Cool J
James Todd Smith , better known as LL Cool J , is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and actor...
’s “Ain’t Nobody” and Hitman Sammy Sam’s “Step Daddy”.
Comedy tour
John Witherspoon went back to his comedian roots and started a comedy tour that premiered on television on March 28, 2008 on Showtime Network. On his 2009 tour he has 19 stops across the country.In December of 2011, John Witherspoon preformed his stand up comedy act once a agin on stage at the Funny Bone comedy club at Harrah's Casino in Tunica, Ms.
Film
| Year | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Hollywood Shuffle Hollywood Shuffle Hollywood Shuffle is a 1987 comedy film that satirizes the racial stereotypes of African Americans in film and television. The film tracks the attempts of Bobby Taylor to become a successful actor and the mental and external roadblocks he encounters, represented through a series of interspersed... |
Mr. Jones |
| 1988 | I'm Gonna Get You Sucka | Reverend |
| 1990 | House Party House Party (film) House Party is a 1990 American comedy film released by New Line Cinema. It stars Kid and Play of the popular hip hop duo Kid 'n Play, and also stars Paul Anthony, Bow-Legged Lou, and B-Fine from Full Force, and Robin Harris . The film also starred Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, A.J... |
Mr. Strickland |
| 1992 | Boomerang | Mr. Jackson |
| 1993 | The Meteor Man The Meteor Man (film) The Meteor Man is a 1993 superhero film written, directed, and starring Robert Townsend, and featuring an ensemble cast. Townsend stars as a mild-mannered schoolteacher, who becomes a superhero after his neighborhood in Washington, D.C. is terrorized by street gangs.Although the film is set in... |
Clarence James Carter III |
| Fatal Instinct Fatal Instinct Fatal Instinct is a 1993 comedy film directed by Carl Reiner. It parodies the erotic thriller movie genre, which at the time had reached its commercial peak. The film stars Armand Assante as a lawyer and cop named Ned Ravine who has an affair with a woman named Lola Cain played by Sean Young... |
Detective | |
| 1995 | Vampire in Brooklyn Vampire in Brooklyn Vampire in Brooklyn is a 1995 horror comedy film directed by Wes Craven, and starring Eddie Murphy and Angela Bassett. Allen Payne, Kadeem Hardison, John Witherspoon, Zakes Mokae, and Joanna Cassidy co-star. Eddie Murphy wrote the film's script, along with Vernon Lynch and older brother Charles Q.... |
Silas Green |
| Friday Friday (film) Friday is a 1995 stoner comedy-drama-buddy film directed by F. Gary Gray. Starring Ice Cube, Chris Tucker, Nia Long, Bernie Mac, Tommy Lister, Jr... |
Willie Jones | |
| 1996 | Ride Ride (film) Ride is a 1998 comedy film, written and directed by Millicent Shelton. The film stars Fredro Starr, Malik Yoba, and Melissa De Sousa. The film is sometimes confused with The Ride, another film released in 1998.-Plot:... |
Roscoe |
| 1997 | Fakin'Da Funk | Bill |
| Sprung Sprung (film) Sprung is a 1997 comedy film, written and directed by Rusty Cundieff. This film stars Cundieff, Tisha Campbell, Joe Torry, and Paula Jai Parker. It grossed $7,575,028 at the US box office.- Plot :... |
Detective | |
| 1998 | Bulworth Bulworth Bulworth is a 1998 American film co-written, co-produced and directed by the film's star, Warren Beatty. It was loosely based on the life of Beatty's friend, Tennessee political figure John Jay Hooker. It co-stars Halle Berry, Oliver Platt, Don Cheadle, Paul Sorvino, Jack Warden, and Isaiah... |
Reverend Morris |
| I got the hook up I Got the Hook Up I Got the Hook-Up is a 1998 crime comedy film, starring A.J. Johnson and Master P, and directed by Michael Martin. This was No Limit Records first theatrical release.-Plot:... |
Mr. Mimm | |
| 2000 | Next Friday Next Friday Next Friday is a 2000 comedy film, and the sequel to the 1995 film Friday. This is the first film to be produced by producer Ice Cube's film production company Cubevision... |
Willie Jones |
| The Ladies Man The Ladies Man (2000 film) The Ladies Man is a 2000 American comedy film that stars actor, comedian and former Saturday Night Live cast member Tim Meadows. It was directed by Reginald Hudlin. The movie focuses on the exploits of radio host and sex therapy expert Leon Phelps.... |
Scrap Iron | |
| Little Nicky Little Nicky Little Nicky is a 2000 American comedy film directed by Steven Brill. It stars Adam Sandler as Nicky, one of Satan's three sons.-Plot:The story revolves around a struggle to determine which of Satan's three sons will succeed their father as ruler of Hell... |
Street Vendor | |
| 2001 | Dr. Dolittle 2 Dr. Dolittle 2 Dr. Dolittle 2 is a 2001 American comedy film, and the theatrical sequel to the 1998 film Dr. Dolittle. The continuing tale of the doctor who can talk to the animals—this time, it's Dolittle versus Darwin when the animals launch a labor strike to protect their forest from unscrupulous human... |
Zoo Bear #2 (voice) |
| 2002 | Friday After Next Friday After Next Friday After Next is a 2002 comedy film directed by Marcus Raboy, starring Ice Cube and Mike Epps. It is the third installment in the Friday series, and the sequel to the 2000 film Next Friday.-Plot:... |
Willie Jones |
| 2004 | Soul Plane Soul Plane Soul Plane is a 2004 comedy film starring Kevin Hart, Method Man, Tom Arnold, D.L. Hughley, Mo'Nique, Loni Love, K.D. Aubert, Godfrey, and Snoop Dogg.-Plot:... |
Blind Man |
| 2006 | Little Man Little Man (film) Little Man is a 2006 American comedy film, directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans. It stars Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Kerry Washington, and Tracy Morgan. Little Man was released on DVD on November 7, 2006.- Plot :... |
Pops |
| 2007 | After Sex | Gene |
| 2008 | The Super Rumble Mixshow | |
| The Hustle | Mr. Wikes | |
| 2009 | Hopelessly in June | Mr. Myers |
| 2011 | A Thousand Words A Thousand Words A Thousand Words is the sixth album for artist Styrofoam aka Arne Van Petegem. It is also the first for label Nettwerk.A Thousand Words eschews previous methods of what Styrofoam calls “bedroom producing” in favor of a fresh approach... |
|
| 2011 | Chick Magnet Chick Magnet (film) Chick Magnet is a 2011 American comedy film starring Jeff Venables, Meili Cady and Josh Beren directed by Ryan R. Williams. It is the story of three friends who come into ownership of a magic shirt that guarantees them sex with any woman. Rosario Dawson, Kristen Bell, Kristy Swanson and other makes... |
|
| 2012 | Last Friday | Willie Jones |
Television
- The Richard Pryor ShowThe Richard Pryor ShowThe Richard Pryor Show is an American comedy variety series starring Richard Pryor. It premiered on NBC on Tuesday, September 13, 1977 at 8 p.m. opposite ABC's popular television shows Laverne & Shirley and Happy Days....
(1977) - The Incredible Hulk (1978)
- What's Happening (1978)
- Good TimesGood TimesGood Times is an American sitcom that originally aired from February 8, 1974, until August 1, 1979, on the CBS television network. It was created by Eric Monte and Michael Evans, and developed by Norman Lear, the series' primary executive producer...
(1978) - Barnaby JonesBarnaby JonesBarnaby Jones is a television detective series starring Buddy Ebsen and Lee Meriwether as father- and daughter-in-law who run a private detective firm in Los Angeles. A spin-off from Cannon, the show ran on CBS from January 28, 1973 to April 3, 1980, beginning as a midseason replacement...
(1979) - WKRP in CincinnatiWKRP in CincinnatiWKRP in Cincinnati is an American situation comedy that featured the misadventures of the staff of a struggling fictional radio station in Cincinnati, Ohio. The show was created by Hugh Wilson and was based upon his experiences working in advertising sales at Top 40 radio station WQXI in Atlanta...
(1982) - Hill Street BluesHill Street BluesHill Street Blues is an American serial police drama that was first aired on NBC in 1981 and ran for 146 episodes on primetime into 1987. Chronicling the lives of the staff of a single police precinct in an unnamed American city, the show received critical acclaim and its production innovations ...
(1982) - You AgainYou AgainYou Again is a 2010 American comedy film directed by Andy Fickman and written by Moe Jelline. The film stars Kristen Bell, Jamie Lee Curtis, Sigourney Weaver, Odette Yustman, and Betty White...
(1986) - 227227 (TV series)227 is an American situation comedy that originally aired on NBC from September 14, 1985, until May 6, 1990. The series starred Marla Gibbs as a sharp-tongued, inner-city resident gossip and housewife, Mary Jenkins...
(1987) - What's Happening Now (1987)
- Frank's PlaceFrank's PlaceFrank's Place is an American comedy-drama series which aired on CBS for 22 episodes during the 1987-1988 television schedule. The series was created by Hugh Wilson and executive produced by Wilson and series star Tim Reid.-Plot:Set in New Orleans, Frank's Place chronicles the life of Frank Parrish...
(1987) - AmenAmenThe word amen is a declaration of affirmation found in the Hebrew Bible and New Testament. Its use in Judaism dates back to its earliest texts. It has been generally adopted in Christian worship as a concluding word for prayers and hymns. In Islam, it is the standard ending to Dua and the...
(1988) - L.A. LawL.A. LawL.A. Law is a US television legal drama that ran on NBC from September 15, 1986 to May 19, 1994. L.A. Law reflected the social and cultural ideologies of the 1980s and early 1990s and many of the cases featured on the show dealt with hot topic issues such as abortion, racism, gay rights,...
(1990) - MartinMartin (TV series)Martin is an American sitcom produced by HBO Independent Productions that aired for five seasons, from August 27, 1992 to May 1, 1997 on Fox...
(1993) - The Fresh Prince of Bel-AirThe Fresh Prince of Bel-AirThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is an American television sitcom that originally aired on NBC from September 10, 1990 to May 20, 1996. The show stars Will Smith as a fictionalized version of himself, a street-smart teenager from West Philadelphia who is sent to move in with his aunt and uncle in their...
(1993) - WayneheadWayneheadWaynehead was a Saturday morning animated series created by American actor Damon Wayans. It was produced by Warner Bros. Animation and Nelvana. It ran on Kids' WB from 1996-1997. It is about a young boy named Damien "Damey" Wayne from a poor background with a club foot and was based on Wayans' own...
(1996–1997) - The Wayans Bros (1995–1999)
- Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every ChildHappily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every ChildHappily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child is an American animated television series that premiered March 26, 1995, on HBO. Narrated by Robert Guillaume, the series aired 39 episodes from 1995 to 2000, and is currently airing on the HBO Family digital cable television channel in the United...
(2000) - The Proud FamilyThe Proud FamilyThe Proud Family is an American animated television series that premiered on Disney Channel from September 15, 2001 to August 19, 2005.-Production:...
(2003) - The Tracy Morgan ShowThe Tracy Morgan ShowThe Tracy Morgan Show is an American sitcom that aired from December 2, 2003 to March 20, 2004 on NBC. The series stars Tracy Morgan and Tamala Jones. The show was canceled in its first season after 18 episodes .-Synopsis:...
(2003–2004) - Kim PossibleKim PossibleKim Possible is an American animated television series about a teenage crime fighter who has the task of dealing with worldwide, family, and school issues every day. The show is action-oriented, but also has a light-hearted atmosphere and often lampoons the conventions and clichés of the...
(2004) - Weekends at the DL (2005)
- The BoondocksThe Boondocks (TV series)The Boondocks is an American animated series created by Aaron McGruder on Cartoon Network's late night programing block, Adult Swim, based on McGruder's comic strip of the same name...
(2005–present) - Tosh.0 Episode 58: Fart Bus Kid (2011)