Racquel Barnett is a freshman mass communication major from Kansas City, KS
On Tuesday, Oct. 29, actor and comedian John Witherspoon died unexpectedly in his home at 77-years-old. Many, including his wife and two children, grieve to this terrible tragedy as he has left such an unforgettable mark in black entertainment with his roles as the comedic yet wise father figure.
Witherspoon is best known from film, TV, and stand up starring in The Wayans Bros, Boomerang, The Boondocks, Friday and its sequels, The First Family and more. When news of his death became public knowledge, fans immediately memorialized him my reciting some of his most famous lines and catch phrases.
The Boondocks were expecting to make a return to TV and fans are left wondering what the show will do without Witherspoon as ‘pops.’ If they choose to move forward, whoever decides to replace Witherspoon will have some very big shoes to fill; however, most will agree that it will never be the same.
Loved ones, will be celebrating Witherspoon’s life Tuesday, November 5 at 12 p.m. The service will be held at Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn Mortuary. I personally cannot wait until BET begins the marathon for Witherspoon, where all of the movies and shows he acted in will be shown. Marathons are a good way to celebrate the life of legends who are no longer with us, and Witherspoon is a more than deserving legend.
I think it is important that people do not dwell in sadness, but have joy that their lives were touched by him. The flyer for Witherspoon’s celebration of life asks that guests wear colorful garments “as this is a celebration of the positivity this man exuded during his time on earth”.