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BIO
Funnyman John Witherspoon has parlayed a successful career as a standup comic into a series of memorable film roles. Born in Detroit, MI,
John Witherspoon began his show business career as a model in the early '70s before striking out on his own as a comedian. His first big break came in 1977 when
John Witherspoon landed a regular spot on Richard Pryor's short-lived television variety series, and
John Witherspoon began playing supporting roles on such shows as What's Happening!, Good Times, and WKRP in Cincinnati. In 1980,
John Witherspoon made his film debut playing a nightclub MC in Neil Diamond's 1980 remake of The Jazz Singer.
John Witherspoon's big-screen breakthrough, however, came in Robert Townsend's comedy Hollywood Shuffle, in which
John Witherspoon played Mr. Jones, the manager of the Winky Dinky Dog hot-dog stand. The surprise success of Hollywood Shuffle led to a string of film parts and recurring roles on two television series -- the short-lived Townsend Television in 1993 and 1995's The Wayans Bros., which ran for four years, with
John Witherspoon playing "Pop" Williams. In 1995, John Witherspoon also played ill-tempered dogcatcher Mr. Jones in Ice Cube's urban comedy Friday, which spawned two sequels also featuring
John Witherspoon. John Witherspoon still tours as a standup comic when he's not busy with film and television work. ~ All Movie Guide
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