
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!!.
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.
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.
| 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.

