Shirley Hemphill

Acting

Shirley Hemphill

Born July 1, 1947 · Asheville, North Carolina, USA

Died December 10, 1999 · aged 52

Shirley Ann Hemphill (July 1, 1947 – December 10, 1999) was an American stand-up comedian and actress best known for brassy waitress Shirley Wilson on the sitcom What's Happening!! (1976–79), a role she reprised in the sequel series What's Happening Now!! (1985–88). A native of Asheville, North Carolina, Hemphill moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s to pursue a career as a stand-up comedian. After w…

Known For

CB4CB4 · 1993
CB4
6.11993
MovieComedyMusic
A "rockumentary", covering the rise to fame of MC Gusto, Stab Master Arson, and Dead Mike: members of the rap group "CB4". We soon learn that these three are not what they seem and don't appear to know as much about rap music as they claim... but a lack of musical ability in an artist never hurts sales, does it? You've just got to play the part of a rap star...
The Richard Pryor Special?The Richard Pryor Special? · 1977
The Richard Pryor Special?
7.21977
MovieComedyTV Movie
Richard Pryor wanders around the NBC Studio, encountering various eccentrics. Meanwhile, the Reverend James L. White, the Ugandan dictator Idi Amin Dada and others are taping their own segments.
Dancing in the WingsDancing in the Wings · 1985
Dancing in the Wings
7.51985
MovieMusicTV Movie
A showcase of a dance troupe preparing for an international tour with performances spanning ballet, jazz, and modern dance.
The Love BoatThe Love Boat · 1977
The Love Boat
6.31977
SeriesDramaComedy
Passengers who search for romantic nights aboard a beautiful ship travelling to tropical or mysterious countries, decide to pass their vacation aboard the "Love Boat", where Gopher, Dr. Bricker, Isaac, Julie, and Captain Stubing try their best to please them, and sometimes help them fall in love. Things are not always so easy, but in the end, love wins.
Oddity ArchiveOddity Archive · 2012
Oddity Archive
8.02012
SeriesDocumentary
The Oddity Archive is a web series that revolves around the "cultural dustbin", especially as it pertains to media. The Archive also functions as an actual archive of sorts, with a modest collection of off-air Betamax and VHS recordings (about 400 total as of June, 2014). There's also a decent collection of ephemeral video, "ripoff" and "drugstore" LP's/cassettes/8-tracks, as well as (working) obsolete technology.
MartinMartin · 1992
Martin
7.51992
SeriesComedyDrama
Sassy sitcom centering on radio and television personality Martin Payne. Series focuses on his romantic relationship with girlfriend Gina, her best friend Pam and escapades with best friends Tommy and Cole.
The Wayans Bros.The Wayans Bros. · 1995
The Wayans Bros.
7.21995
SeriesComedy
Brothers Shawn and Marlon are on the lookout for money and success, though the two are complete opposites. Shawn is responsible and conservative while Marlon is free-spirited and liberal. They are not immune to sibling rivalry, but frequently enjoy being each other's partner in crime.
Good TimesGood Times · 1974
Good Times
8.01974
SeriesComedy
Good Times is an American sitcom that originally aired from February 8, 1974, until August 1, 1979, on the CBS television network. It was created by Eric Monte and Mike Evans, and developed by Norman Lear, the series' primary executive producer. Good Times is a spin-off of Maude, which is itself a spin-off of All in the Family along with The Jeffersons. The series is set in Chicago. The first two seasons were taped at CBS Television City in Hollywood. In the fall of 1975, the show moved to Metromedia Square, where Norman Lear's own production company was housed.

Filmography

Sort
One in a MillionOne in a Million · 1980
One in a Million
7.51980
SeriesComedy
One In A Million is an American television sitcom that aired on ABC for one season in 1980. The show was developed as a starring vehicle for comedienne Shirley Hemphill after the success of What's Happening!! in which she played a supporting role. The show was not a success and was cancelled after just 13 episodes. The series was broadcast on Saturdays at 8 p.m Eastern time. The series centers around Shirley Simmons, a sharp-tongued taxicab driver who inherits controlling interest in the multimillion dollar conglomerate Grayson Enterprises at the death of its founder, Jonathan Grayson, one of Shirley's regular fares. Gleefully assuming her position as CEO, she declares war on 'pompous stuffed shirts', especially company vice president Roland Cushing. She finds an ally in Nancy, Grayson's secretary. The series was set in New York City. The cast included several well-known character actors including Richard Paul as Mr. Grayson's nephew and Carl Ballantine as the owner of Shirely's favorite deli.

Shirley Simmons