You saw him stink up the bathroom in "Friday" and the car in "Next Friday."
State Press goes one-on-one with veteran comedian John Witherspoon, who admits to playing himself in the father-figure characters for which he is known. Witherspoon started as an aspiring comedian at the Comedy Club in Hollywood in the '70s with David Letterman, Robin Williams, Jay Leno and even Michael Keaton. Now, over 30 years later, he dominates the screen as one of America's funniest fathers.
State Press: We saw you were in "The Incredible Hulk" in 1978. Who did you play and what exactly did you do?
I played a friend of a boxer, like a trainer. I started doing dramatic work before doing comedy. But I couldn't make much money doing that. I knew I was just better at comedy. There are a lot of people who can be dramatic actors, but very few who be comedic in acting. So I just put on my white shoes and white belt and polyester pants and make people laugh.
SP: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Getting out of the urban area of Detroit. Becoming aware that that was not why I was put here on this Earth. I looked in the mirror and said 'Oh no, my brother,' this is not where I'm going to stay. I saw in the mirror that it could be better.
SP: How have you come to be the world's funniest dad?
I've had in my characters people I'd seen in Detroit. Fathers who act so funny and wear the funniest clothes; they put on their white shoes, white belt and polyester and thought they looked sharp. My father and my friends' fathers were funny, and I've taken many of my characters from them.
SP: Do you have any kids of your own?
I have a 6-year-old and a 14-year-old. But they don't think I'm funny. My 14-year-old would never understand why someone would want his dad's autograph.
SP: Is your role on "Friday" anything like the real you?
You've got to play yourself. Yeah, it's me. I eat grapes all the time and I'm always hollering at my son. Of course I'm not a dog catcher in real life, but I'm always doing those silly things.
SP: What's it like working with so many young actors?
I think it's wonderful working around those young guys. I was on a show with the Wayans brothers. They respect me, but they know I have a young spirit, so they feel comfortable around me. I'll tell them about old-school stuff. And Cube and those guys, I'll talk and play basketball with them. I'm in my late 50s, and I'll be hurting the next day after playing basketball with them. I'll be feeling my youth again, and after three games, I'll be hobbling around the house for two days. But we try to play about once a week.
SP: What's your favorite curse word?
Motherfucker. If you want to put someone in their place, you just call them that one. It works every time.
SP: What is your biggest vice?
Probably eating too much and drinking too much red wine. My stomach is starting to retain the weight and not go away like it used to.
SP: From where or whom do you get your inspiration?
From people, from life. I'm not one of those actors to shy away from everyone. People are funny. For example, I went to a free concert in L.A. the other day. I saw a lady there wearing a fur around her neck, and it's the middle of June. It was a huge mink. It might've had feet on it.
SP: What, to you, is most funny about life?
I like to watch people, look at the whole scene. People are the funniest things. I get a lot of my acts from people.
SP: Is comedy and performing getting harder or easier as you get older?
It should be easier for you as you get older; comedy should never be hard. I travel a lot, and that's sometimes hard. I've got to get on a plane tomorrow and be in a parade somewhere in Indiana for a black expo. Right now I'm sitting here enjoying myself with my pool and Jacuzzi; being in a parade tomorrow and traveling is not the most fun thing I can think of.
SP: You've got "The Friday After Next" and a CD coming up. What's after that?
I'm writing a script for New Line about old black men who sit in front of a restaurant everyday - that's just what they do all day. It's going to be called 'Old School' - I'm writing it with Cube. I'm also trying to write something on my own that can be produced. But I'm on the road all the time, so I'm quite busy.
