Shirley Hemphill
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Born Name:
Shirley Ann Hemphill
Born Date: July 1, 1947
Born Place: Asheville, North Carolina
Died Date: December 10, 1999
Died Place: West Covina, California
Occupations: Comedian, actress
Brief Biography: Shirley Hemphill (1947–1999) was an American stand-up comedian and actress best known for her role as the sharp-tongued waitress Shirley Wilson on the 1970s ABC sitcom What's Happening!!. A trailblazer for Black female comedians, she transitioned from working in a nylon factory to becoming a household name in television comedy.
Early Life and Education:
Education: Attended Stephens-Lee High School and later earned an athletic scholarship to Morristown College, where she majored in physical education.
Pre-Fame Career: After college, she returned to Asheville and worked in a factory manufacturing nylons.
Rise to Stardom:
The "Tape" that Started it All: Hemphill sent a cassette of her stand-up routine to Flip Wilson, who was so impressed he sent her a recorder, roses, and an invitation to visit the set of The Flip Wilson Show.
Los Angeles and Stand-Up: She moved to Los Angeles in the early 1970s, waitressing by day and performing at The Comedy Store at night.
Television Breakthrough: After guest roles on Good Times and All's Fair, she landed her iconic role on What's Happening!! in 1976. She famously turned down a spin-off offer from Norman Lear to pursue the audition for this show.
Major Career Credits:
What's Happening!! (1976–1979): Played Shirley Wilson, the wisecracking waitress at Rob's Place.
One in a Million (1980): Starred as Shirley Simmons, a cab driver who inherits a multimillion-dollar company.
What's Happening Now!! (1985–1988): Reprised her signature role in this syndicated revival, where her character became a co-owner of the restaurant.
Guest Appearances: Appeared on various shows like The Love Boat, Martin, The Wayans Bros., and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
Born Date: July 1, 1947
Born Place: Asheville, North Carolina
Died Date: December 10, 1999
Died Place: West Covina, California
Occupations: Comedian, actress
Brief Biography: Shirley Hemphill (1947–1999) was an American stand-up comedian and actress best known for her role as the sharp-tongued waitress Shirley Wilson on the 1970s ABC sitcom What's Happening!!. A trailblazer for Black female comedians, she transitioned from working in a nylon factory to becoming a household name in television comedy.
Early Life and Education:
Education: Attended Stephens-Lee High School and later earned an athletic scholarship to Morristown College, where she majored in physical education.
Pre-Fame Career: After college, she returned to Asheville and worked in a factory manufacturing nylons.
Rise to Stardom:
The "Tape" that Started it All: Hemphill sent a cassette of her stand-up routine to Flip Wilson, who was so impressed he sent her a recorder, roses, and an invitation to visit the set of The Flip Wilson Show.
Los Angeles and Stand-Up: She moved to Los Angeles in the early 1970s, waitressing by day and performing at The Comedy Store at night.
Television Breakthrough: After guest roles on Good Times and All's Fair, she landed her iconic role on What's Happening!! in 1976. She famously turned down a spin-off offer from Norman Lear to pursue the audition for this show.
Major Career Credits:
What's Happening!! (1976–1979): Played Shirley Wilson, the wisecracking waitress at Rob's Place.
One in a Million (1980): Starred as Shirley Simmons, a cab driver who inherits a multimillion-dollar company.
What's Happening Now!! (1985–1988): Reprised her signature role in this syndicated revival, where her character became a co-owner of the restaurant.
Guest Appearances: Appeared on various shows like The Love Boat, Martin, The Wayans Bros., and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.