
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.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of John Witherspoon reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 48 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Comedy
The majority of John Witherspoon's filmography leans towards the Comedy genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 10% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), John Witherspoon remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Thugaboo: A Miracle on D-roc's Street, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best John Witherspoon Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from John Witherspoon's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of John Witherspoon.
| 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) | Flop | 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 | Flop | 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 "Bird".




