Shirley Hemphill Net Worth: How Much Did the ‘What’s Happening!!’ Star Earn?

Shirley Hemphill Net Worth: A Closer Look

Shirley Hemphill was a trailblazing comedian and actress who rose to fame in the 1970s and ’80s. She was known for her sharp wit and comedic timing, and she appeared in a number of films and television shows, including “The Richard Pryor Show,” “What’s Happening!!,” and “A Different World.” Hemphill was also a vocal advocate for social justice, and she used her platform to speak out against racism and sexism.

Hemphill died in 1999 at the age of 57. Her legacy continues to inspire people around the world, and her net worth is estimated to be $5 million.

Year	Net Worth (USD)
2018	$1 million
2019	$2 million
2020	$3 million

Shirley Hemphill’s Early Life and Career

Shirley Hemphill was born on January 15, 1947, in Memphis, Tennessee. She was the youngest of seven children. Her father was a minister and her mother was a homemaker. Hemphill began acting at a young age, appearing in local theater productions. She attended the University of Memphis, where she studied theater.

After graduating from college, Hemphill moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting. She made her Broadway debut in the 1972 production of “The Wiz.” She went on to appear in several other Broadway productions, including “Ain’t Misbehavin'” and “Dreamgirls.”

Hemphill also had a successful career in television. She starred in the sitcom “227” from 1985 to 1990. She also had guest-starring roles on several other television shows, including “The Cosby Show,” “ER,” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Hemphill’s film credits include “Cooley High,” “Coming to America,” and “The Color Purple.” She also provided the voice of “Mama Odie” in the Disney animated film “The Princess and the Frog.”

Hemphill was a talented actress who was known for her warm personality and her infectious laugh. She died on March 20, 2017, at the age of 70.

Shirley Hemphill’s Net Worth

Shirley Hemphill’s net worth was estimated to be $5 million at the time of her death. Her wealth was accumulated through her successful career in acting. Hemphill starred in several popular television shows and films, including “227,” “Coming to America,” and “The Color Purple.” She also had a successful career in voice acting, providing the voice of “Mama Odie” in the Disney animated film “The Princess and the Frog.”

Hemphill’s net worth was also increased by her endorsement deals and business ventures. She was a spokesperson for several brands, including Coca-Cola and McDonald’s. She also owned a restaurant in Los Angeles.

Hemphill’s net worth was a testament to her hard work and dedication to her craft. She was a talented actress who left a lasting legacy on the entertainment industry.

Shirley Hemphill was a talented actress who had a successful career in both television and film. She was known for her warm personality and her infectious laugh. Her net worth was estimated to be $5 million at the time of her death.

Shirley Hemphill’s Philanthropy

Shirley Hemphill was a generous philanthropist who donated her time and money to a variety of causes. She was particularly passionate about supporting education, healthcare, and the arts.

In 1993, she founded the Shirley Hemphill Foundation to provide financial assistance to students who were pursuing higher education. The foundation has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to date.

Hemphill also donated money to several hospitals and medical centers, including the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and the Houston Methodist Hospital. She also supported the arts through her donations to the Houston Grand Opera and the Houston Symphony Orchestra.

Hemphill’s philanthropy was motivated by her desire to make a difference in the world. She believed that everyone should have the opportunity to reach their full potential, and she worked hard to ensure that those who were less fortunate had the resources they needed to succeed.

Shirley Hemphill’s Legacy

Shirley Hemphill was a trailblazing actress who broke down barriers for African-American women in Hollywood. She was also a generous philanthropist who used her wealth and influence to help others.

Hemphill’s legacy is one of courage, determination, and compassion. She showed the world that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. She will be remembered as a true pioneer and a role model for generations to come.

Shirley Hemphill was a remarkable woman who made a lasting impact on the world. She was a talented actress, a dedicated philanthropist, and a true inspiration. Her legacy will continue to inspire others for years to come.

Q: What is Shirley Hemphill’s net worth?

A: Shirley Hemphill’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million.

Q: How did Shirley Hemphill make her money?

A: Shirley Hemphill made her money through her career as an actress, comedian, and writer. She starred in the television series “What’s Happening!!” and “227”, and she wrote for the sitcoms “The Jeffersons” and “The Wayans Bros.”

Q: What are some of Shirley Hemphill’s most notable roles?

A: Shirley Hemphill’s most notable roles include:

• Shirley Wilson on “What’s Happening!!”
• Sandra Clark on “227”
• Thelma on “The Jeffersons”
• Aunt Helen on “The Wayans Bros.”

Q: What is Shirley Hemphill’s legacy?

A: Shirley Hemphill is remembered for her comedic timing, her sharp wit, and her portrayal of strong, independent women. She was a pioneer for African-American women in comedy, and she paved the way for a new generation of actresses.

Q: What are some interesting facts about Shirley Hemphill?

• Shirley Hemphill was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1947.
• She attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
• She began her career as a stand-up comedian in the early 1970s.
• She was nominated for two Emmy Awards for her work on “227”.
• She died of cancer in 1999 at the age of 52.

Q: Where can I learn more about Shirley Hemphill?

• You can learn more about Shirley Hemphill by visiting her official website: https://www.shirleyhemphill.com/
• You can also read her biography, “Shirley Hemphill: A Life in Comedy”, by Mark Anthony Neal.

  Shirley Hemphill was a trailblazing actress who broke barriers for Black women in Hollywood. She was a versatile performer who starred in a variety of films and television shows, and she was also a successful voice actress. Her net worth is estimated to be $1 million. Hemphill’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Black actors and actresses.