This guy, not Bill Cosby, was one of America’s dads. It’s a role he honed in the Nineties via Friday, The Wayans’ Brothers Show and obviously Boondocks a decade later. John was just a great character guy as he proved in Hollywood Shuffle (the owner of the fast-food place the hero can’t wait to quit), a preacher in I’m Gonna’ Git You Sucka and a crazy local in the very underrated Black Jesus.
I would be negligent to overlook his skill at serious, dramatic appearances in (but not necessarily good) Fatal Instinct, LA Law, Hill Street Blues and Barnaby Jones.
Given his voice, delivery and general funniness, especially as an adult who may be a bit out of the loop yet has a dollop of wisdom, John was a must have in any coming-of-age comedy for any ethnic group, not just the Black shows/films he was often seen in.
Farewell John. You will be sorely missed and I will always hear your voice whenever I read a Boondocks comic and grandad speaks. I think Aaron McGruder had you in mind from day one when he created his strip. Thanks for all you did to make me laugh! Ho Cakes!