
John Witherspoon
ActingAbout John Witherspoon
John Witherspoon was an African-American comedian and actor who has roles in over 20 movies and television shows. Acting for over three decades, Witherspoon starred in films such as Hollywood Shuffle (1987), Boomerang (1992), and the Friday film series. He also made appearances on television shows such as Barnaby Jones (1973), The Wayans Brothers (1994-99), The Tracy Morgan Show (2003), and Boondocks (2005). He has also taken his success in acting into screenwriting 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 released The John Witherspoon Collection, a line of comical greeting cards known as Spoon Cards.
John Witherspoon Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of John Witherspoon reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 48 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of John Witherspoon's work falls within the Comedy genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 13% of John Witherspoon's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Thugaboo: A Miracle on D-roc's Street, which stands out as a key performance.
Best John Witherspoon Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from John Witherspoon's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie John Witherspoon has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Boosters LA | Luther | Flop | Similar → |
| 2020 | Reality Queen! | Joe The Plumber | Flop | Similar → |
| 2019 | I Got the Hook Up 2 | Mr. Mimm | Average | Similar → |
| 2012 | A Thousand Words | Blind Man | Average | Similar → |
| 2011 | Chick Magnet | John (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 2010 | Bring Me the Head of Lance Henriksen | John | Average | Similar → |
| 2008 | The Hustle | Mr. Wikes | Average | Similar → |
| 2008 | You Got to Coordinate | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 2007 | After Sex | Gene | Average | Similar → |
| 2006 | Thugaboo: A Miracle on D-roc's Street | Real Santa/Christmas Singer on a Radio (voice) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2006 | Little Man | Pops | Average | Similar → |
| 2004 | Soul Plane | Blind Man | Flop | Similar → |
| 2004 | Boondocks Pilot | Robert Jebediah 'Granddad' Freeman (voice) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2004 | Laffapalooza! #2 | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 2002 | Friday After Next | Mr. Jones | Average | Similar → |
| 2001 | Dr. Dolittle 2 | Zoo Bear #2 (voice) | Flop | Similar → |
| 2000 | Little Nicky | Street Vendor | Average | Similar → |
| 2000 | The Ladies Man | Scrap Iron | Flop | Similar → |
| 2000 | Next Friday | Mr. Jones | Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | High Freakquency | Wes Thomas | Flop | Similar → |
| 1998 | I Got the Hook-Up | Mr. Mimm | Flop | Similar → |
| 1998 | Bulworth | Reverend Morris | Average | Similar → |
| 1998 | Ride | Roscoe | Average | Similar → |
| 1997 | Fakin' Da Funk | Bill | Average | Similar → |
| 1997 | Sprung | Detective | Flop | Similar → |
| 1995 | Vampire in Brooklyn | Silas Green | Flop | Similar → |
| 1995 | Friday | Mr. Jones | Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Murder Was the Case | Drunk #1 | Average | Similar → |
| 1994 | Cosmic Slop | Homeless Man #1 (segment 'The First Commandment') | Flop | Similar → |
| 1993 | Fatal Instinct | Arch | Average | Similar → |
| 1993 | The Meteor Man | Clarence James Carter III | Average | Similar → |
| 1992 | Bebe's Kids | Card Player #1 (voice) | Average | Similar → |
| 1992 | Boomerang | Mr. Jackson | Average | Similar → |
| 1991 | Killer Tomatoes Strike Back! | Evan Rood | Flop | Similar → |
| 1991 | Talkin' Dirty After Dark | Dukie | Flop | Similar → |
| 1991 | Sunday in Paris | Fredic Dickson | Flop | Similar → |
| 1991 | The Five Heartbeats | Wild Rudy | Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | House Party | Mr. Strickland | Average | Similar → |
| 1989 | Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 4 | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1989 | Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 3 | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1988 | I'm Gonna Git You Sucka | Reverend | Average | Similar → |
| 1988 | Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 2 | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1988 | Kidnapped | Pimp | Flop | Similar → |
| 1988 | Bird | Sid | Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 1 | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1987 | Hollywood Shuffle | Mr. Jones | Average | Similar → |
| 1986 | Ratboy | Heavy | Flop | Similar → |
| 1980 | The Jazz Singer | M.C. Cinderella Club | Average | Similar → |
John Witherspoon - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of John Witherspoon?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring John Witherspoon is "Thugaboo: A Miracle on D-roc's Street" with a rating of 8.0/10.
How many movies has John Witherspoon acted in?
John Witherspoon has been featured in at least 48 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by John Witherspoon?
Other notable films include "The Five Heartbeats", "Friday", and "Boondocks Pilot".




