
Acting
Paul Mooney
Born — Died
1941-08-04 — 2021-05-19
Place of birth
Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
Known for
Acting
Credits
48 titles
Paul Gladney, better known by the stage name Paul Mooney, was an American comedian, writer, social critic, and television and film actor. He is best known as a writer for comedian Richard Pryor, playing singer Sam Cooke in The Buddy Holly Story and Junebug in Bamboozled, and his appearances on Chappelle's Show.
Known for
6.5David Letterman uses mature humor to appeal to his audience in this weeknight series, which gets its music from a house band led by Paul Shaffer. Among the show's most-famous segments are the Top Ten List and Stupid Pet Tricks, the latter of which subsequently led to an additional recurring segment called Stupid Human Tricks.
Late Show with David Letterman
1993
7.6On September 14, 1998, a Hollywood Squares revival debuted with Tom Bergeron as its host. In addition to her production duties, Whoopi Goldberg served as the permanent center square, with series head writer Bruce Vilanch, Gilbert Gottfried, Martin Mull, and Caroline Rhea as regular panelists and Brad Garrett, Bobcat Goldthwait, Jeffrey Tambor, George Wallace, Kathy Griffin and various others as semi-regular panelists. Shadoe Stevens returned to announce, although he was not given a square on the panel as he had been when John Davidson was host.
Hollywood Squares
1998
7.8Comic Garry Shandling draws upon his own talk show experiences to create the character of Larry Sanders, a paranoid, insecure host of a late night talk show. Larry, along with his obsequious TV sidekick Hank Kingsley and his fiercely protective producer Artie, allows Garry Shandling and his talented writers to look behind the scenes and to show us a convincing slice of behind the camera life.
The Larry Sanders Show
1992
8.0Good 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.
Good Times
1974
8.1Dave Chappelle's singular point of view is unleashed through a combination of laidback stand-up and street-smart sketches.
Chappelle's Show
2003
3.3The relationships and sex lives of a diverse group of friends who works and lives in the vibrant community of Downtown Los Angeles.
DTLA
2012
Film credits
2010s · 7 titles
4.7As Carl Black gets the opportunity to move his family out of Chicago in hope of a better life, their arrival in Beverly Hills is timed with that city's annual purge, where all crime is legal for twelve hours.
Meet the Blacks
2016
7.1Mike Epps, Richard Pryor Jr. and others recount the culture-defining influence of Richard Pryor - one of America's most brilliant, iconic comic minds.
Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic
2013
6.9The life story of Richard Pryor (1940-2005), the legendary performer and iconic social satirist who transcended racial and social barriers with his honest, irreverent and biting humor.
I Am Richard Pryor
2019
1.5Academy Award winner and one of the Original Queens of Comedy, Mo'Nique rules the stage as host of the 3rd installment in Shaquille O'Neal's All Star Comedy Jam concert series. Filmed in front of a live audience during the 2010 NBA All-Star Weekend in Dallas Texas, comedy queen Mo'Nique leads ... her court with some of the industry's most talented and sought after comedians. No topic is off limits on this night at AEG's Nokia Theatre stage. Seasoned comedians, Paul Mooney, Corey Holcomb, George Willborn and Michael Blackson deliver side busting, non-stop laughs in this energetic and memorable night of comedy.
All Star Comedy Jam: Live from Dallas
2010
6.8The venomous, no holds barred style of standup comedy legend Paul Mooney is on full display in this concert special. The vitriolic funnyman spares no politician or pop icon from his scathing wit, throwing jabs at Sarah Palin, Mel Gibson, Tiger Woods and many others. Defiant, socially relevant and always hilarious, it’s a legendary Mooney performance, taped live at the Cobb Energy Centre in Atlanta, Georgia.
Paul Mooney: A Piece of My Mind - God Bless America
2014
8.2Stand-up comedy at The Lodge, a gentleman's club in Texas.
Paul Mooney: It's the End of the World
2010
The venomous, no-holds-barred style of standup comedy legend Paul Mooney is on full display in this concert special that finds the vitriolic funnyman sparing no politician or pop culture icon from his scathing wit, including Sarah Palin, Mel Gibson and even golf pro Tiger Woods. Defiant, socially relevant, and always hilarious, it's a legendary Mooney performance, taped live at the Cobb Energy Centre in Atlanta, Georgia.
Paul Mooney: The Godfather of Comedy
2012
2000s · 8 titles
6.3Frustrated when network brass reject his sitcom idea, producer Pierre Delacroix pitches the worst idea he can think of in an attempt to get fired: a 21st century minstrel show. The network not only airs it, but it becomes a smash hit.
Bamboozled
2000
6.5An exposé of comic proportions that only Chris Rock could pull off, GOOD HAIR visits beauty salons and hairstyling battles, scientific laboratories and Indian temples to explore the way hairstyles impact the activities, pocketbooks, sexual relationships, and self-esteem of the Black community.
Good Hair
2009
5.0All his life, African-American Renato has been raised in an Italian-American family. Completely unaware that he is Black, his life is upended when his birth parents materialize, causing Renato to examine what he true heritage is.
Homie Spumoni
2006
8.0Directors Robert Townsend and Quincy Newell offer this comprehensive and hilarious examination of the history, evolution and cultural significance of African American comedy in America, from the earliest minstrel shows to the latest HBO special. Featuring interviews with cultural critics and loads of comedic clips, this program features appearances by a who's-who of black comedians including Chris Rock, Bill Cosby, Whoopi Goldberg and many more.
Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy
2009
3.8The Old Settler is the story of two middle-aged sisters, Elizabeth and Quilly, who share an apartment in Harlem in 1943. The sisters quarrel amiably, but they share a wounded history that becomes revealed as the tale unfolds. An earnest but unworldly young man named Husband travels up from the South to board with the sisters while he searches for his beloved Lou Bessie, who left their small town a few years back to find a new life. Husband would like to bring Lou Bessie back home, but she's enamored with the excitement of the city, and her plans are more complicated. In time, Elizabeth and Husband begin a courtship that may or may not overcome their considerable age difference, while Quilly reacts disapprovingly.
The Old Settler
2001
NRThree people try to fulfill their fantasies at a pool one night and discover why fantasies should never become reality.
Sombra azul
2009
6.2A 2002 stand-up comedy special starring comedian Paul Mooney, with Joe Inscoe, Bridget Gethis, and Kate Fleckenstein featured in sitcom-like cut scenes between Mooney's regular stand-up routine. Among the topics covered are the September 11 terrorist attacks, the "N" word, interracial marriage, Jerry Springer, and white people obsessed with wild animals to the point of being in danger or being killed.
Paul Mooney: Analyzing White America
2002
7.1Few comedians can stir up controversy like the legendary Paul Mooney -- writer for Richard Pryor, creator of In Living Color's Homey the Clown and featured guest on Chappelle's Show. With his characteristic brutal honesty, Mooney passionately and hysterically charges into the electrified currents of racial tension. In this magnificent standup performance at Hollywood's Laugh Factory, Mooney earns a standing ovation with his relentless no-holds-barred observations on black history, stereotypes and prejudices, living in White America, celebrity divas and much, much more!
Paul Mooney: Know Your History - Jesus Is Black... So Was Cleopatra
2007
1990s · 4 titles
7.0Rudy Ray Moore tells all as only he can in this all-new retrospective legendary career. From his humble beginnings to his crowning as "King of the Party Records," Rudy Ray guides us through his struggles and triumphs in the film and music industries.
The Legend of Dolemite! Bigger & Badder
1994
7.0Bernhard, an actress-comedienne whose brassy humor attracts a cult-like following, here offers a semiconfessional view of her life's landscape. Childhood memories of her father, a doctor, and her mother, an artist, are warmly rendered in scenes of the Jewish family amiably accommodating itself to the Christmas season, and of the obligatory communal vacations joined by colorful relatives. The abrupt transition to a flamboyant denizen of "downtowns," Los Angeles or New York, to an existence as a character in the lives of marginal people, is evoked in sharply satirical terms, in a melange of humorous fact and fiction, monologues akin to those that make Bernhard an icon of pop culture.
Sandra Bernhard: Confessions of a Pretty Lady
1994
8.0A day in the life of an urban radio station.
High Freakquency
1998
7.0Live TV-special.
Andrew Dice Clay and His Gang Live! The Valentine's Day Massacre
1993
1980s · 7 titles
6.5Aspiring actor and hot-dog stand employee Bobby Taylor catches the ire of his grandmother for auditioning for a role in the regrettably titled exploitation film "Jivetime Jimmy's Revenge." When Tinseltown Studios casts Taylor in the title role, he has a series of conflicted dreams satirizing African-American stereotypes in Hollywood, and must reconcile his career goals with his desire to remain a positive role model for his little brother.
Hollywood Shuffle
1987
6.2After ex-con Joe Braxton violates his probation, he is given a second chance. All he has to do is drive a group of special kids across the country.
Bustin' Loose
1981
6.7One of comedian Richard Pryor's later stand-up performances. As foul-mouthed as ever, Pryor touches on most of the same topics as in his previous live shows. Filmed at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans.
Richard Pryor: Here and Now
1983
NRDirector Robert Townsend (Hollywood Shuffle) knows how to construct and, when necessary, even milk a laugh for optimal effect. This fourth and final volume in the Partners in Crime collection features more moments culled from Townsend's laugh-filled HBO variety show. Franklin Ajaye, Reynaldo Rey, John Witherspoon and musical guest M.C. Hammer also star.
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 4
1989
NRFrom comedian and filmmaker Robert Townsend (Hollywood Shuffle) comes this collection of comedy sketches starring some of the biggest names in show business. Featuring Keenan Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans, and Paul Mooney among others Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime, Vol. 1 sends up such pop-culture staples as Dynasty and Michael Jackson.
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 1
1987
NRDirector Robert Townsend (Hollywood Shuffle) knows how to construct and, when necessary, even milk a laugh for optimal effect. This second riotous volume in the Partners in Crime collection features more ribald moments culled from Townsend's laugh-filled HBO variety show. Sinbad, David Allen Grier and Damon Wayans also star.
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 2
1988
NRShot entirely on location in Hollywood in 1984, this feature documentary explores the role of black actors, black directors and the black audience in American movies.
Black Hollywood
1984
1970s · 4 titles
6.4A documentary about a political troupe headed by actors Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland which traveled to towns near military bases in the US in the early 1970s. The group put on shows called "F.T.A.", which stood for "F**k the Army", and was aimed at convincing soldiers to voice their opposition to the Vietnam War, which was raging at the time. Various singers, actors and other entertainers performed antiwar songs and skits during the show.
FTA
1972
7.1A chronicle of the rise and brief career of rock 'n' roll star Buddy Holly, who aspires to play music the way he wants it to sound. Holly and his band, the Crickets, are first invited to record in Nashville, where they encounter creative differences with the producing staff. Later they play a major booking at the Apollo Theater, scheduled there under the mistaken assumption that they're a black band. Holly's career eventually goes solo -- until the tragic day the music dies.
The Buddy Holly Story
1978
5.7Orange picker Leroy Jones inadvertently becomes a union leader and is forced out of town, leaving behind his sex-obsessed father, Rufus, and timid spouse, Annie Mae. He heads for Los Angeles, where he falls for union organizer Vanetta. Annie Mae seeks solace from local preacher Lenox Thomas, who eventually impregnates her. When Leroy catches wind, he heads home for a showdown with Lenox.
Which Way Is Up?
1977
4.5A racist officer is put in charge of an all-black squad of troops charged with the mission of blowing up an important hydro-dam in Nazi Germany. Their failure would delay the Allies' advance into Germany, thus prolonging the war.
Carter's Army
1975
Series credits
6.5David Letterman uses mature humor to appeal to his audience in this weeknight series, which gets its music from a house band led by Paul Shaffer. Among the show's most-famous segments are the Top Ten List and Stupid Pet Tricks, the latter of which subsequently led to an additional recurring segment called Stupid Human Tricks.
Late Show with David Letterman
1993
7.6On September 14, 1998, a Hollywood Squares revival debuted with Tom Bergeron as its host. In addition to her production duties, Whoopi Goldberg served as the permanent center square, with series head writer Bruce Vilanch, Gilbert Gottfried, Martin Mull, and Caroline Rhea as regular panelists and Brad Garrett, Bobcat Goldthwait, Jeffrey Tambor, George Wallace, Kathy Griffin and various others as semi-regular panelists. Shadoe Stevens returned to announce, although he was not given a square on the panel as he had been when John Davidson was host.
Hollywood Squares
1998
7.8Comic Garry Shandling draws upon his own talk show experiences to create the character of Larry Sanders, a paranoid, insecure host of a late night talk show. Larry, along with his obsequious TV sidekick Hank Kingsley and his fiercely protective producer Artie, allows Garry Shandling and his talented writers to look behind the scenes and to show us a convincing slice of behind the camera life.
The Larry Sanders Show
1992
8.0Good 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.
Good Times
1974
8.1Dave Chappelle's singular point of view is unleashed through a combination of laidback stand-up and street-smart sketches.
Chappelle's Show
2003
3.3The relationships and sex lives of a diverse group of friends who works and lives in the vibrant community of Downtown Los Angeles.
DTLA
2012
NRHosted by Dom Irerra, this bold 90s stand-up comedy show features edgy humor and performances from some of the era's top comedians.
Full Frontal Comedy
1996
6.4The Richard Pryor Show is an American comedy variety series starring Richard Pryor. It premiered on NBC on Tuesday, September 13, 1977 at 8 p.m. opposite ABC's popular television shows Laverne & Shirley and Happy Days. The show was produced by Rocco Urbisci for Burt Sugarman Productions. It was conceived out of a special that Pryor did for NBC in May 1977. Because the special was a major hit, both critically and commercially, Pryor was given a chance to host and star in his own television show. TV Guide included the series in their 2013 list of 60 shows that were "Cancelled Too Soon".
The Richard Pryor Show
1977
Behind the camera
6.5Although Jo Jo Dancer has achieved success as a stand-up comedian, he hasn't found happiness. After receiving severe burns in a narcotics-related incident, Jo Jo remains in a coma, and, while in this state, he looks back on his life. Drifting off into memories of his troubled childhood, Jo Jo revisits his youth, recalling his eventual rise to fame and the decadence that followed. As he considers his existence, he must decide if he wants to go on living or not.
Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling
1986
6.7One of comedian Richard Pryor's later stand-up performances. As foul-mouthed as ever, Pryor touches on most of the same topics as in his previous live shows. Filmed at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans.
Richard Pryor: Here and Now
1983
7.4Richard Pryor delivers monologues on race, sex, family and his favorite target—himself, live at the Terrace Theatre in Long Beach, California.
Richard Pryor: Live in Concert
1979
6.0This 1977 drama by Phillip Hayes Dean, deals with the sad division between what a man hopes for and what he achieves. In the title role, Dick Anthony Williams portrays a naïve, ambitious, recklessly optimistic man who is not understood by those closest to him and who finds himself in difficulty because of his unrealistic hopes.
Freeman
1977
7.2Richard 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.
The Richard Pryor Special?
1977
6.2A 2002 stand-up comedy special starring comedian Paul Mooney, with Joe Inscoe, Bridget Gethis, and Kate Fleckenstein featured in sitcom-like cut scenes between Mooney's regular stand-up routine. Among the topics covered are the September 11 terrorist attacks, the "N" word, interracial marriage, Jerry Springer, and white people obsessed with wild animals to the point of being in danger or being killed.
Paul Mooney: Analyzing White America
2002
Debbie Allen stars in her own primetime variety special.
The Debbie Allen Special
1989
8.2Stand-up comedy at The Lodge, a gentleman's club in Texas.
Paul Mooney: It's the End of the World
2010
7.1Few comedians can stir up controversy like the legendary Paul Mooney -- writer for Richard Pryor, creator of In Living Color's Homey the Clown and featured guest on Chappelle's Show. With his characteristic brutal honesty, Mooney passionately and hysterically charges into the electrified currents of racial tension. In this magnificent standup performance at Hollywood's Laugh Factory, Mooney earns a standing ovation with his relentless no-holds-barred observations on black history, stereotypes and prejudices, living in White America, celebrity divas and much, much more!
Paul Mooney: Know Your History - Jesus Is Black... So Was Cleopatra
2007
The venomous, no-holds-barred style of standup comedy legend Paul Mooney is on full display in this concert special that finds the vitriolic funnyman sparing no politician or pop culture icon from his scathing wit, including Sarah Palin, Mel Gibson and even golf pro Tiger Woods. Defiant, socially relevant, and always hilarious, it's a legendary Mooney performance, taped live at the Cobb Energy Centre in Atlanta, Georgia.
Paul Mooney: The Godfather of Comedy
2012
