Paul Mooney, the “Godfather of Comedy” famous for working with Richard Pryor and Dave Chappelle, died Wednesday morning at the age of 79 in his Oakland home at around 5:30 a.m. According to sources, Mooney suffered a heart attack.
What We Know:
Mooney’s publicist, Cassandra Williams, confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter. In addition, Mooney’s official Twitter account released the information on social media.
Thank you all from the bottom of all of our hearts …you’re all are the best!…… Mooney World .. The Godfather of Comedy – ONE MOON MANY STARS! .. To all in love with this great man.. many thanks🙏🏾
— Paul Mooney (@PaulEalyMooney) May 19, 2021
Mooney was born Paul Gladney on August 4, 1941, in Shreveport, Louisiana. He created the stage name “Paul Mooney” after being inspired by Scarface actor Paul Muni. He started his entertainment career by working as a circus ringmaster, then broke into comedy after watching Lenny Bruce live.
Mooney met his longtime comedic partner Richard Pryor for the first time in 1968. However, the encounter ended with Mooney throwing Pryor out of his apartment when Pryor suggested an orgy. Despite the sour first impressions, the two became close friends and collaborators; the two co-wrote episodes of Sanford & Son before pioneering The Richard Pryor Show, a short-lived and controversial variety show. Mooney proceeded to assist Pryor in writing some sketches for some of Pryor’s Grammy-winning comedy albums like …Is It Something I Said? and Live on the Sunset Strip. Furthermore, he was also one of the writers of Pryor’s autobiographical movie, Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling.
Pryor and Mooney’s relationship was so close that Pryor insisted Mooney write all his sketches for his 1975 appearance on Saturday Night Live. The classic SNL skit, “Word Association,” was created by Mooney.
Besides his culturally impactful partnership with Pryor, Mooney cultivated his behind-the-scenes and on-screen. He was a major writer for many influential Black sitcoms, such as Good Times, In Living Color, Pryor’s Place, and the Real Husbands of Hollywood. In addition, he starred in several films; his most notable roles include Sam Cooke in The Buddy Holly Story, Marvin in Bustin’ Loose, President of the NAACP in Hollywood Shuffle, and Junebug in Bamboozled.
Mooney continued his legacy by helping comedian Dave Chapelle create his notorious Chapelle’s Show. Throughout the show’s two-season run, Mooney worked as a writer and actor. He is most remembered on the series for playing Negrodamus, a Black version of philosopher Nostradamus. As Negrodamus, Mooney would provide “answers to life’s most unsolved mysteries.” One that many viewers recollect is when Negrodamus answered why White people love Wayne Brady.
Furthermore, Chappelle describes Mooney’s craftsmanship as very passionate. He told Vulture that one does not mess with Mooney and his ideas.
“You don’t f*ck with his writing, his material, his sketches … and you certainly don’t tell him what to do! Trust me, I’ve learned,” said Chappelle. Fortunately, Mooney’s firmness in his work has resulted in many classic skecthes, films, and recordings.
After news of Mooney’s death came out, several celebrities fled to social media to pay their respects. Director Ava DuVernay called Mooney “a comedy giant.” She emphasized his fearlessness about discussing feelings and experiences many found difficult to express. Actress Viola Davis described him as “funny and poignant,” and showed gratitude for seeing him live.
Paul Mooney. A comedy giant. I recall listening to his RACE album in college and how formative it was. Yeah, the jokes. But more so, the freedom. He spoke freely and fearlessly about feelings and experiences others found difficult to express. May he be truly free now. Rest, sir.
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) May 19, 2021
Awww…. RIP comedy legend Paul Mooney! You were both funny and poignant. So happy to have witnessed your genius live. Rest well!!! Pour down some laughter here. We need it 💗💗💗 pic.twitter.com/cr6MqY3UXA
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) May 19, 2021
Mooney’s daughter, Spring, took to Twitter to disclose her feelings about her father’s death. She asked for “time” as her “best friend just died.” She emphasized how much she loved her father, and how she feels broken. Paul’s other children have yet to make public announcements.
Give me a moment !!! My best friend just died and my world is forever SHOOK !!! I really can’t put into words right now my feelings .. know that I LOVE THIS MAN AND I AM BROKEN 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/XIXO36ug1i
— Spring Mooney (@MooneySpring) May 19, 2021
Paul Mooney’s work can be categorized as honest. He implied multiple times comedy needed people who spoke the truth on certain topics. At times, he himself felt shocked at his sincerity in his humor. Paul told NPR in 2006 that when people would tell him they were surprised by his words, he agreed. “It comes from somewhere other than me,” declared Paul.
Mooney leaves behind his four children: Shane, Dwayne, Daryl, and Spring. We send our thoughts and prayers to Mooney’s family, friends, and fanbase as they mourn the loss of a comedic and cultural genius.
