Yesterday, we lost a legendary actor, John Witherspoon. Most known as, “Pops,” Witherspoon has stood as some of our favorite characters in TV history. From Boondocks to Friday to The Tracy Morgan Show, the actor’s comedic nature and corky style made him a staple in Black Hollywood. “He was a legend in the entertainment industry, and a father figure to all who watched him over the years,” the Witherspoon family wrote in a statement on Twitter. As Hollywood’s morns the death of “Pops,” ESSENCE found some of his best looks – including a few photos from his modeling to career to help remember his legacy.

Check out 11 iconic photos of John Witherspoon below.