Shirley Hemphill Biography: Parents, Siblings, Age, Net Worth, Height, Ethnicity, Movies, Obituary

Shirley Ann Hemphill was a distinguished American comedian and actress best known for her portrayal of Shirley Wilson on the popular sitcom What’s Happening!! (1976–1979) and its revival, What’s Happening Now!! (1985–1988).

A native of Asheville, North Carolina, Hemphill began her career working in a nylon factory before relocating to Los Angeles in the 1970s to pursue stand-up comedy.

Her sharp wit and engaging presence quickly earned her guest appearances on various television programs and eventually led to her starring in the short-lived sitcom One in a Million (1980).

Following the show’s cancellation, she returned to her stand-up comedy roots and continued appearing on notable platforms, including The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.

Profile

• Full Name: Shirley Ann Hemphill
• Stage Name: Shirley Hemphill
• Born: July 1, 1947
• Died: December 10, 1999
• Age: 52 years old
• Birthplace: Asheville, North Carolina, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American comedian and actress
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Mozella Hemphill, Richard Hemphill
• Siblings: William Hemphill
• Spouse: Unknown
• Children: Unknown
• Relationship: Not Married
• Net Worth: $1 million

Early Life And Education

Shirley Ann Hemphill was born on July 1, 1947, in Asheville, North Carolina. She is the daughter of Richard and Mozella Hemphill. She had a brother, William Hemphill, a Vietnam War veteran. Shirley attended Hill Street School and later graduated from Stephens-Lee High School.

She received an athletic scholarship to Morristown College, where she majored in physical education. Hemphill was of African-American descent, though her religious affiliation remains unspecified.

Career

Hemphill began her comedy career by sending a cassette of her stand-up material to renowned comedian Flip Wilson, who encouraged her to pursue the craft professionally. Motivated by his support, she moved to Los Angeles in 1973, where she worked as a waitress while performing at The Comedy Store.

Her big break came in 1976 when she was cast as Shirley Wilson, the outspoken waitress on ABC’s What’s Happening!!. The sitcom became a modest success, and Hemphill’s vibrant comedic presence quickly became a fan favorite, even after the show’s cancellation in 1979 due to production challenges.

In 1980, Hemphill starred in her sitcom One in a Million, playing a taxi driver who inherits a corporation. Despite her strong performance, the series struggled to find an audience and was canceled after one season. However, in 1985, she returned to her beloved role in What’s Happening Now!!, a revival of the original series.

Her character evolved into a restaurant co-owner, adding depth to her role and endearing her further to audiences. The show ran for three successful seasons, cementing Hemphill’s legacy in television.

After the revival, Hemphill returned to stand-up comedy, her original passion. She made guest appearances on popular shows such as The Love Boat, Martin, and The Wayans Bros., and also appeared in films like CB4.

Throughout the 1990s, she continued performing stand-up, known for her bold, witty style and commanding stage presence. Her influence was felt across the comedy world, with comedians like Rosie O’Donnell crediting Hemphill for her mentorship and support in their early careers.

Social Media

Shirley Hemphill does not have a social media account.

Personal Life

Shirley Hemphill led a notably private life, with no publicly known relationships, spouse, or children and little information about her personal affairs. Tragically, on December 10, 1999, she was found deceased at her home in West Covina, California, at the age of 52.

Filmography

Television:

• All’s Fair (1976)
• Good Times (1976)
• What’s Happening!! (1976–1979)
• One in a Million (1980
• The Love Boat (1982)
• Trapper John, M.D. (1983)
• Pryor’s Place (1984)
• What’s Happening Now!! (1985–1988)
• Martin (1994)
• The Wayans Bros. (1996)
• Linc’s (1999)

Film:

• CB4 (1993)
• Shoot the Moon (1996)

Net Worth

Shirley Hemphill’s net Worth at the time of her death in 1999 was estimated at $1 million, mainly due to her successful television roles in What’s Happening!! And What’s Happening Now!!, along with her extensive career in stand-up comedy.