Actor and comedian John Witherspoon—best known for his role as Ice Cube’s dad in the Friday films—has died at the age of 77, his family has confirmed. Witherspoon co-starred in three Friday films and also appeared in The Wayans Bros TV series and voiced the grandfather in The Boondocks animated series. He was also a frequent guest on The Late Show With David Letterman. Ice Cube wrote in a Twitter post late Tuesday: “I’m devastated over the passing of John Witherspoon. Life won’t be as funny without him.” Witherspoon’s family wrote in a statement: “Our husband and father John Witherspoon has passed away. He was a legend in the entertainment industry, and a father figure to all who watched him over the years. We love you ‘POPS’ always and forever.” Witherspoon is survived by his wife, Angela, and sons JD and Alexander.