'Friday' Star John Witherspoon Dead at 77

John Witherspoon, famous for his role in the "Friday" franchise, has died at the age of 77.

The circumstances surrounding Witherspoon's death are still unclear, but the news was initially broken by a few people involved with "Friday," including Regina King.

King tweeted out condolences to fans along with a GIF of Witherspoon.

"My dad, my grandpa, my comedic inspiration! I love you Spoons! Rest In Paradise, King."

She played Witherspoon's daughter in the 1995 comedy alongside Ice Cube.

"Friday" co-writer DJ Pooh also tweeted out a message, writing, "Rip John Witherspoon."

Witherspoon's family also released a statement on his 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. 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. John used to say ‘I’m no big deal’, but he was huge deal to us.”

Witherspoon was best known for "Friday," but also had memorable roles in "Hollywood Shuffle," "Boomerang," "Vampire in Brooklyn," and "The Wayans Brothers" TV show.

R.I.P.

Fans of Witherspoon were caught off guard by the tragic news and immediately took to social media to express grief and remember the star by paying tribute to his memorable roles.

Fans also can't get enough of Witherspoon eating in movies, which he often did.

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Many shared the scene from "Friday" where Witherspoon became all of our fathers while delivering some real knowledge to Ice Cube about being a man.