
Robert Townsend
- Date of Birth: 1957-02-06
- Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Biography
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 Mete... 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.

The Warriors
Action, Thriller • 1979 February

Amazing Stories
Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Drama, Comedy, Family, Mystery, Crime • 1985 September

The Five Heartbeats
Drama, Music • 1991 March

The Carol Burnett Show
• 1991 November

The Parent 'Hood
Comedy • 1995 January

Hollywood Squares
• 1998 September

Black Lightning
Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Drama • 2018 January

Streets of Fire
Action • 1984 June

Cooley High
Comedy, Drama, Romance • 1975 June

Jackie's Back!
Comedy, Music, TV Movie • 1999 June