John Witherspoon - Actor Profile

John Witherspoon

Acting
Updated: Apr 10, 2026
48Total Films
8.0 Highest Rated
Born: Jan 27, 1942
Birth Place: Detroit, Michigan, USA

About 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.

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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.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
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".

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