Shirley Hemphill - Actor Profile

Shirley Hemphill

Acting
Updated: Apr 18, 2026
2Total Films
7.0 Highest Rated
Birth Place: Asheville, North Carolina, USA

About 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!!.

Shirley Hemphill Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Shirley Hemphill reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 2 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Shirley Hemphill's work falls within the Comedy genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 50% of Shirley Hemphill's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains The Richard Pryor Special?, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Shirley Hemphill Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Shirley Hemphill's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Shirley Hemphill has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
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.

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