John Witherspoon Died After A Massive Heart Attack, Suffered From Coronary Artery Disease
John Witherspoon died of a massive heart attack after suffering from years of coronary heart disease and high blood pressure.
According to the legendary actor's death certificate, obtained by The Blast, John's official cause of death is listed as "myocardial infarction" or heart attack. The document also includes several underlying causes which are listed as "coronary artery disease and obesity."
"Hypertension" or high blood pressure is also listed as a chronic condition, but not as an immediate underlying cause of death.
The death certificate also lists Witherspoon's long history with showbiz listing his occupation as 'actor' in the entertainment business. The legal document says he was a working actor for a whopping "44 years."
John Witherspoon passed away suddenly at his Los Angeles home on October 29. He was 77 years old.
Related:
Is John Witherspoon TV's Greatest Dad?
Celebrities Marlon Wayans, Ice Cube, Others Mourn John Witherspoon
Ice Cube, Regina King, Marlon Wayans, And More Remember 'Friday' Star John Witherspoon
'Friday' Star John Witherspoon Dead at 77
'Friday' Star John Witherspoon and Wife Sued for Allegedly Seizing Control of Writer's Play
The Death Certificate
His family released a statement, following his death, saying "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."
It continued, "He is survived by his wife Angela, and his sons JD, Alexander, and a large family. We are all in shock, please give us a minute for a moment in privacy and we will celebrate his life and his work together."
The ended with an emotional note, "John used to say ‘I’m no big deal’, but he was a huge deal to us."
His son JD also addressed his father's death on Twitter, “My Dad died today & honestly I’m not sure how to feel. I’m sad, but I’m also happy 4 all the great times we had together. We’d roast each other like homies more than Father & Son, and I really liked that. He was my best friend & my idol. Love U Dad...I’ll miss u.”
Funeral Attended By A-List Stars
A funeral was held for the comedian in Los Angeles, and the ceremony was packed with celebrity friends and family.
Ice Cube spoke at the service and posted a message saying, “I’m devastated over the passing of John Witherspoon. Life won’t be as funny without him."
The funeral for Witherspoon was held last Tuesday, and many of his celebrity friends were in attendance. Chris Tucker, Ice Cube, Bill Bellamy, Cedric the Entertainer, David Letterman, and George Wallace, were amongst the stars who paid their respects.
“The world has lost a true comedy legend and all-around genuine soul, who paved the way for so many of us to be able to do what we love. My deepest condolences to John’s family. I know he’s already up there makin everyone laugh,” Martin Lawrence said on social media.
A few other stars posted messages about the comedian including Leslie Jones who tweeted, “Let me tell you something, this man was a genius!! Like bend over in your chair hollering with laughter funny. All comics could learn from John Witherspoon!! RIP!!”
The 'Friday' Franchise
John was in tons of movies and TV shows, but none bigger than the 'Friday' franchise.
The 1995 comedy and its sequels, "Next Friday" and "Friday After Next," chronicle the life of Craig (Ice Cube) dealing with losing his job and a weed-smoking friend, "Smokey." Chris Tucker famously played the 'Smokey' character, who gets in trouble for smoking all the week he is supposed to sell.
Witherspoon Willie Jones, father of Ice Cube's character, Craig, in all of the "Friday" movies."
Some of the most famous lines in the movie were delivered by Witherspoon, including the classic one, "Don't nobody go in the bathroom for about 35 or 45 minutes, someone open a window."
R.I.P.
