Acting
Robert Townsend
Robert Townsend (born February 6, 1957) is an American actor, director, comedian, and writer. Townsend is best known for directing the films Hollywood Shuffle (1987), Eddie Murphy Raw (1987), The Meteor Man (1993), The Five Heartbeats (1991) and various other films and stand-up specials. He is especially known for his eponymous self-titled character, Robert Peterson as the starring role as on The WB sitcom The Parent 'Hood (1995–1999), a series which he created and of which directed select episodes. Townsend is also known for his role as Donald "Duck" Matthews in his 1991 film The Five Heartbeats. He later wrote, directed and produced Making The Five Heartbeats (2018), a documentary film about the production process and behind the scenes insight into creating the film. Townsend is also known for his production company Townsend Entertainment which has produced films Playin' for Love, In the Hive and more. During the 1980s and early–1990s, Townsend gained national exposure through his stand-up comedy routines and appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Townsend has worked with talent including Halle Berry, Morgan Freeman, Chris Tucker, Beyoncé, Denzel Washington and many more.
Filmography
AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Eddie Murphy
Film · 2026
Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!
Series · 2026
Before
Series · 2024
The Bear
Series · 2022
A Walk with Charles Burnett
Film · 2019
Black Lightning
Series · 2018
Playin' for Love
Film · 2015
Scooby-Doo! Music of the Vampire
Film · 2012
Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy
Film · 2009
Directors on Directing
Film · 2009
Of Boys and Men
Film · 2008
Tao of The Golden Mask
Film · 2007
Black in the 80s
Series · 2005
Richard Pryor: I Ain't Dead Yet, #*%$#@!!
Film · 2003
Black Listed
Film · 2003
I Was a Teenage Faust
Film · 2002
Undercover Brother
Film · 2002
Book of Love: The Definitive Reason Why Men Are Dogs
Film · 2002
Up, Up, and Away
Film · 2000
Sidney Poitier: One Bright Light
Film · 2000
Taxman
Film · 1999
Mercenary II: Thick & Thin
Film · 1999
Joseph's Gift
Film · 1999
Love Songs
Film · 1999
Jackie's Back!
Film · 1999
Hollywood Squares
Series · 1998
Motown Live
Series · 1998
Stuart Hall: Representation & the Media
Film · 1997
Great Drives
Series · 1996
The Parent 'Hood
Series · 1995
Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child
Series · 1995
The Legend of Dolemite! Bigger & Badder
Film · 1994
The Meteor Man
Film · 1993
The Five Heartbeats
Film · 1991
A Party For Richard Pryor
Film · 1991
The Carol Burnett Show
Series · 1991
Robin Harris: One Night Stand
Film · 1990
The Mighty Quinn
Film · 1989
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 3
Film · 1989
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 4
Film · 1989
That's Adequate
Film · 1989
I'm Gonna Git You Sucka
Film · 1988
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 2
Film · 1988
Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute
Film · 1988
Hollywood Shuffle
Film · 1987
Uptown Comedy Express
Film · 1987
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 1
Film · 1987
Odd Jobs
Film · 1986
Ratboy
Film · 1986
Rodney Dangerfield: It's Not Easy Bein' Me
Film · 1986
American Flyers
Film · 1985
Amazing Stories
Series · 1985
A Soldier's Story
Film · 1984
Streets of Fire
Film · 1984
In Love with an Older Woman
Film · 1982
Senior Trip
Film · 1981
Willie & Phil
Film · 1980
The Warriors
Film · 1979
Women at West Point
Film · 1979
The Monkey Hustle
Film · 1976
Cooley High
Film · 1975
Mahogany
Film · 1975
M*A*S*H
Series · 1972