John Witherspoon's Iconic Los Angeles Estate Hits the Market for $4.625 Million — But Here's Where It Gets Emotional Nearly six years after the sad passing of beloved comedian John Witherspoon, his widow Angela has decided to put the family’s sprawling estate up for sale. This remarkable compound, boasting 25,000 square feet across two connected properties, is now available for $4.625 million — an incredible opportunity considering all the history and memories it holds.
Angela shares, "This home has been the heart of our family for years. It's where we raised our two sons, with our youngest attending The Buckley School and our eldest graduating from the Magnet program at Grant High School. We've celebrated so many moments here, from festive Christmas gatherings to John's own celebration of life—a gathering attended by notable friends like David Letterman, Chris Tucker, and DJ Shawn Wayans."
Located in the peaceful L.A. neighborhood of Sherman Oaks, the estate includes two addresses combined into one magnificent retreat. It features five bedrooms and seven bathrooms, giving ample space and privacy. Despite being tucked away for seclusion, it remains conveniently accessible, with easy driving routes to Malibu Canyon and downtown Los Angeles. The property exudes the charm of a European countryside estate, blending elegance with comfort.
But here’s the detail that might surprise many: this property has played host to significant cultural and political events. For example, Ice Cube was among the speakers at John Witherspoon’s memorial service. In 2020, the estate also welcomed Vice President Kamala Harris for her successful "Cookout for Kamala" fundraiser. It even served as the venue for the wedding of family friend Madison McFerrin—adding even more layers to its rich story.
Angela recently revealed she’s using the estate as a filming location for the upcoming film "Villa Hollywood," where she stars alongside Maria Russell, Rhonda Shear, and Aniya Wayans. This film will mark the screen debut of a new member of the famous Wayans family, adding a further note of excitement to the home’s legacy.
Angela explains her motivation for selling is a desire to downsize and embrace a lifestyle that allows more travel and exploration beyond Los Angeles—an understandable wish after dedicating so many years to this family sanctuary.
Before his passing, John was looking forward to Eddie Murphy’s return to the comedy spotlight—a comeback that eventually gave rise to sequels of beloved classics like "Coming 2 America" and "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley."
This extraordinary estate is now being listed by agents Lucas Arias and Isaiah Arias of the A&A Team at Compass. And here’s the part most people miss: for $4.625 million, buyers aren’t just acquiring a luxurious home in a coveted location—they’re also stepping into a space brimming with rich stories, celebrity connections, and heartfelt memories.
What do you think—does owning a famous comedian’s historic estate add value beyond the walls and square footage? Or does the weight of history complicate such a purchase? Share your thoughts below and spark the conversation!