Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
Robert Townsend
February 6, 1957
Chicago, Illinois, US
69 Years Old
Aquarius
Who Is Robert Townsend?
Robert Townsend is an American actor, comedian, and director, known for his visionary approach to filmmaking. He has consistently championed authentic Black stories.
His breakout came with the self-financed 1987 satire Hollywood Shuffle, a groundbreaking film that critiqued industry stereotypes. It inspired a new generation of Black filmmakers.
Early Life and Education
Growing up on Chicago’s West Side, Robert Townsend was raised by his single mother, Shirley Jenkins Townsend, along with his three siblings. He found an early escape and fascination in television, earning the nickname “TV Guide.”
He attended Austin High School, where his acting talent was noticed by the Experimental Black Actors Guild. Townsend later studied at Illinois State University and the Negro Ensemble Company, refining his craft.
Notable Relationships
A significant relationship in Robert Townsend’s life was his marriage to Cheri Jones, with whom he shared three children. Their union lasted over a decade before their divorce.
Townsend has three children, including his daughter Skye Townsend, and co-parents with his former wife. He has not publicly confirmed another long-term partner since their divorce.
Career Highlights
Robert Townsend achieved critical acclaim with his self-financed directorial debut, Hollywood Shuffle, a satirical look at stereotypes in the film industry. This 1987 film became a landmark for independent Black cinema.
He then directed Eddie Murphy Raw and the musical drama The Five Heartbeats, further showcasing his range as a filmmaker. Townsend also created and starred in The WB sitcom The Parent 'Hood.
Townsend's work has earned over 30 NAACP Image Award nominations, including directing three nominated performers in the same year. He is widely considered a pioneer for Black artists in Hollywood.
Signature Quote
“To me a true artist creates from his heart and that is what I always try to do.”