Shirley Hemphill was an American standup comedian best known for her role in the television series “What’s Happening”. The late actress was born and raised in Asheville and featured in several films and shows before her final death in 1999.
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Shirley Hemphill Biography
Hemphill was born on 1st July 1947 in Asheville, North Carolina to Richard and Mozella Hemphill. She also had a brother named William. The late standup comedian attended Hill Street School and Stephens-Lee High School and upgraded from Morristown College where she majored in physical education.
After school, Shirley took work in a factory manufacturing nylons when she returned to Asheville. Despite working at a factory, Shirley still had the desire to follow her dream career so she sent a cassette tape of one of her comedy routines to Flip Wilson. Impressed with her work, Flip invited Shirley to visit the Flip Wilson Show.
In 1976, she caught the attention of casting agent Joan Murray and so got a guest role on “Good Times” and another starring role on “All’s Fair”. She later had another role as Waitress Shirley Wilson on the ABC sitcom What’s Happening!!. Shirley has gone ahead to feature on several shows. Let’s check some of them below.
Shirley Hemphill’s Movies
- All’s Fair
- Good Times
- The Richard Pryor Special?
- What’s Happening
- One in a Million
- The Love Boat
- Trapper John, M.D
- Pryor’s Place
- What’s Happening Now
Shirley Hemphill’s Cause of Death
The late standup comedian died at the age of 52 on 10th December 1999 in West Covina, California at her home. Shed died of kidney failure. Her body was discovered by a gardener who looked through a window and saw her lying on her bedroom floor.
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