Shirley Hemphill

Shirley Ann Hemphill (July 1, 1947 – December 10, 1999) was an American stand-up comedian and actress best known for brassy waitress Shirley Wilson on the sitcom What's Happening!! (1976–79), a role she reprised in the sequel series What's Happening Now!! (1985–88). 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. What's Happening!! was a modest hit for ABC, but production and cast problems caused the network to cancel the series in 1979. The following year, Hemphill was cast in her own sitcom, One in a Million. The series failed to attract an audience and was canceled in June 1980. Following the cancellation of What's Happening Now!!, Hemphill returned to stand-up comedy and also made occasional appearances in films and television until her death in December 1999.

Known For

The Love Boat

The Mike Douglas Show

Martin

The Wayans Bros.

Good Times