Inside John Witherspoon’s Legacy: The Late Comedian’s Sherman Oaks Home Hits the Market

“Pops.” “Granddad.” “That guy from that movie.”
No matter what you called him, John Witherspoon was unforgettable. The beloved actor and comedian, whose unmistakable voice and comedic timing helped define a generation of Black television and film, left behind more than just laughter—he also left behind a piece of Los Angeles history.

Now, his longtime Sherman Oaks compound—a home filled with memories of family, friends, and Hollywood legends—is officially on the market.

According to Fox 11 Los Angeles, the late comedian’s widow, Angela Witherspoon, is selling the family estate for $4.625 million as she prepares to downsize and travel more. The property, located on scenic Valley Vista Boulevard, is a reflection of both John’s vibrant personality and his decades-long career in entertainment.

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A Hidden Gem in the Hills

The property actually consists of two separate homes on neighboring lots, offering privacy, charm, and plenty of space for entertaining.
As NBC Los Angeles reports, the main residence features three bedrooms and four bathrooms and is listed for about $3 million, while the second home, boasting two bedrooms and three bathrooms, is listed for $1.65 million.

Listing agents Lucas and Isaiah Arias of Compass describe the estate as a “hidden gem” and a “true secret hideaway” that perfectly balances seclusion with convenience. According to Sotheby’s International Realty, the homes—built in 1963—combine “artistic character, mid-century flair, and lush tranquility” with quick access to Beverly Hills, Malibu, and Downtown Los Angeles, each about a 25-minute drive away.

Inside, the property features open-concept living spaces, vaulted ceilings, and natural light that pours in through panoramic windows overlooking the valley. The backyard, complete with a pool and tropical landscaping, served as a frequent gathering place for friends and fellow entertainers.

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A Home Built on Love, Laughter, and Legacy

This was where John and Angela Witherspoon raised their two sons and hosted some of their most cherished moments—everything from Christmas parties to career milestones. It was also the location of John’s celebration of life following his passing in 2019 at age 77, an event attended by industry friends including Chris Tucker, David Letterman, and Shawn Wayans, who served as the DJ for the night (source: People).

Angela, an actress and director in her own right, has since dedicated herself to preserving her husband’s legacy through the Witherspoon Family Foundation, which provides emergency financial assistance to comedians, actors, and writers in need (source: Finurah).

“John believed in helping people laugh, but he also believed in helping people live,” Angela shared in a 2023 interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “That spirit of generosity is what I want to continue through our foundation.”

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The Roles That Made John Witherspoon an Icon

While younger audiences may best remember him as Granddad in The Boondocks or as Pops in The Wayans Bros., Witherspoon’s comedic genius reached far beyond those roles. His career began in stand-up, where he worked alongside comedy greats like Richard Pryor and Robin Williams, before breaking into television and film in the 1980s.

His role as Ice Cube’s father in the 1995 cult classic “Friday” remains one of his most enduring performances. Ice Cube later told Variety that Witherspoon’s “timing and authenticity brought the entire movie to life.”

But that role almost never happened. As Finurah recounts, when the Wayans brothers were developing The Wayans Bros. sitcom, NBC originally rejected the idea of casting Witherspoon as their father, calling him “too country” for a New York-based show. Refusing to compromise, Shawn and Marlon Wayans took the project to Warner Bros., who immediately recognized Witherspoon’s magic. The show premiered in 1995 on The WB network and became a staple of 1990s Black television.

That exposure led Ice Cube to cast him in Friday—a role that turned Witherspoon into a pop-culture legend and helped define the modern Black comedy genre.

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Continuing the Spirit of Laughter

In 2005, Witherspoon brought that same fatherly humor and wisdom to animation, voicing Robert “Granddad” Freeman in The Boondocks alongside Regina King, who voiced both Huey and Riley. The show’s success solidified his influence on new generations of viewers.

Even after his passing, his presence continues to ripple through comedy and entertainment. His family and former co-stars have spoken often about his kindness, discipline, and ability to make everyone around him laugh—even in the toughest times.

As CNN noted in its tribute following his death, “John Witherspoon was one of those rare actors who could make a single line unforgettable.”

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A Lasting Legacy in L.A.

Today, the Sherman Oaks home stands not only as a piece of prime Los Angeles real estate but also as a living reminder of Witherspoon’s decades of laughter, community, and creativity.

“Every wall in that house has a story,” Angela said. “John’s jokes, our sons’ laughter, our friends’ love—it’s all still there.”

For fans and buyers alike, the sale of the property isn’t just the end of an era—it’s a continuation of the legacy of a man whose humor, generosity, and warmth left an indelible mark on American culture.