
Shirley Hemphill
ActingAbout Shirley Hemphill
A native of Asheville, North Carolina, Hemphill moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s to pursue a career as a stand-up comedian. After working the Los Angeles comedy club circuit, her routine eventually attracted attention leading to her being cast in guest starring roles on television. In 1976, she landed the role of brassy waitress Shirley Wilson on the sitcom What's Happening!!.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Shirley Hemphill reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 2 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Comedy
The majority of Shirley Hemphill's filmography leans towards the Comedy genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 50% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Shirley Hemphill remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Richard Pryor Special?, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Shirley Hemphill Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Shirley Hemphill's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Shirley Hemphill.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | CB4 | 976-Sexy | Average | Similar → |
| 1977 | The Richard Pryor Special? | Pushy Fan from Tour Group | Hit | Similar → |
Shirley Hemphill - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Shirley Hemphill?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Shirley Hemphill is "The Richard Pryor Special?" with a rating of 7.0/10.
How many movies has Shirley Hemphill acted in?
Shirley Hemphill has been featured in at least 2 major films throughout their career.

