Shirley Hemphill Net Worth: How Much Was The What’s Happening Star Worth At The Time Of Her Death?

Shirley Hemphill was an American actress best known for her role as Shirley the Waitress on the NBC sitcom “Cheers.” She died on February 9, 2015, at the age of 71. Hemphill’s net worth at the time of her death was estimated to be $5 million.

In this article, we will take a closer look at Hemphill’s life and career, and explore how she amassed her wealth. We will also discuss her legacy and the impact she had on the entertainment industry.

Year	Net Worth	Source
2017	$2 million	Celebrity Net Worth

Shirley Hemphill was an American actress and comedian. She was best known for her role as the no-nonsense receptionist Agnes in the sketch comedy show “In Living Color”. Hemphill also had a successful career in film and television, appearing in such films as “Do the Right Thing” and “Coming to America”. She died in 2016 at the age of 59.

Shirley Hemphill’s Career

Shirley Hemphill was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1957. She began her career in comedy in the early 1980s, performing at comedy clubs in Los Angeles. In 1988, she was cast in the sketch comedy show “In Living Color”. Hemphill’s role as Agnes was a breakout success, and she quickly became one of the show’s most popular cast members.

After “In Living Color” ended in 1994, Hemphill continued to work in film and television. She had roles in such films as “Do the Right Thing” (1989), “Coming to America” (1988), and “House Party” (1990). She also had recurring roles on the television shows “Martin” (1992-1997) and “The Wayans Bros.” (1995-1999).

In addition to her acting career, Hemphill was also a successful stand-up comedian. She released two comedy albums, “Shirley Hemphill” (1992) and “Shirley Hemphill: Live at the Apollo” (1994).

Shirley Hemphill’s Net Worth

Shirley Hemphill’s net worth at the time of her death was estimated to be $5 million. Her earnings from her career in comedy included stand-up fees, album sales, and television appearances. She also earned a salary for her roles in films and television shows.

In addition to her earnings from her career in entertainment, Hemphill also had other sources of income. She owned a real estate investment company and she also invested in various business ventures.

Shirley Hemphill was a talented actress and comedian who had a successful career in entertainment. She will be remembered for her roles in “In Living Color”, “Do the Right Thing”, and “Coming to America”. She died in 2016 at the age of 59.

Shirley Hemphill’s Career

• Her early years in comedy

Shirley Hemphill began her career in comedy in the early 1980s, performing at comedy clubs in Los Angeles. She quickly developed a reputation for her sharp wit and her ability to deliver biting social commentary. In 1988, she was cast in the sketch comedy show “In Living Color”.

• Her breakthrough role in “In Living Color”

Hemphill’s role as Agnes in “In Living Color” was a breakout success. She quickly became one of the show’s most popular cast members, and her character became a pop culture icon. Agnes was a no-nonsense receptionist who was always quick with a comeback. She was also a sharp-tongued social commentator, and her commentary often reflected the views of the show’s predominantly African-American audience.

• Her later career in film and television

After “In Living Color” ended in 1994, Hemphill continued to work in film and television. She had roles in such films as “Do the Right Thing” (1989), “Coming to America” (1988), and “House Party” (1990). She also had recurring roles on the television shows “Martin” (1992-1997) and “The Wayans Bros.” (1995-1999).

• Her death in 2016

Hemphill died in 2016 at the age of 59. She had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, and she died from the disease. Hemphill’s death was met with widespread mourning from her fans and colleagues. She was remembered for her talent, her humor, and her commitment to social justice.

Shirley Hemphill’s Net Worth

• Her earnings from her career in comedy

Hemphill’s earnings from her career in comedy included stand-up fees, album sales, and television appearances. She was one of the highest-paid comedians in the world at the time of her death.

• Her earnings from her film and television roles

Hemphill’s earnings from her film and television roles

Shirley Hemphill’s Net Worth At Time Of Death

Shirley Hemphill was an American actress and comedian who had a net worth of $1 million at the time of her death in 2016. She was best known for her roles in the films “Cooley High” (1975), “Car Wash” (1976), and “The Color Purple” (1985). She also had a recurring role on the television series “Good Times” (1974-1979).

Hemphill was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1948. She began her career as a stand-up comedian in the early 1970s. She made her film debut in the 1975 comedy “Cooley High”. She followed that up with roles in the films “Car Wash” (1976), “The Color Purple” (1985), and “School Daze” (1988). She also had a recurring role on the television series “Good Times” (1974-1979).

Hemphill died of a heart attack in 2016 at the age of 67. She was survived by her husband, actor and comedian Bernie Mac, and their two children.

Hemphill’s net worth was estimated to be $1 million at the time of her death. Her wealth was accumulated through her successful career in the entertainment industry. She earned a salary of $100,000 for her role in “Cooley High” and $200,000 for her role in “Car Wash”. She also earned royalties from her work on “Good Times” and “The Color Purple”.

Hemphill’s net worth was also increased by her investments in real estate and other business ventures. She owned a home in Los Angeles, California, and a condominium in New York City. She also had a stake in a restaurant in Chicago.

Hemphill’s net worth is a testament to her success as an actress and comedian. She was a talented performer who entertained audiences for decades. Her legacy will continue to live on through her work.

Shirley Hemphill’s Impact on Comedy

Shirley Hemphill was a trailblazing comedian who paved the way for other black women in the industry. She was known for her sharp wit and her ability to make audiences laugh. Her work helped to change the way that black women were portrayed on television and in film.

Hemphill’s impact on comedy can be seen in the work of several other black women comedians, including Whoopi Goldberg, Ellen DeGeneres, and Wanda Sykes. These comedians have all cited Hemphill as an inspiration, and they have all used their own unique voices to make audiences laugh.

Hemphill’s impact on comedy is also evident in the way that she challenged stereotypes about black women. She was not afraid to talk about topics that were considered taboo, and she often used her comedy to speak truth to power. Her work helped to break down barriers and to create a more inclusive space for black women in comedy.

Hemphill’s impact on comedy is undeniable. She was a true pioneer who paved the way for other black women in the industry. Her work will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for generations to come.

Shirley Hemphill’s Influence on Other Performers

Shirley Hemphill was a talented and influential performer who had a significant impact on other comedians and actors. She was known for her sharp wit, her quick delivery, and her ability to connect with audiences of all ages.

Hemphill’s work inspired a new generation of comedians, including Whoopi Goldberg, Ellen DeGeneres, and Wanda Sykes. These comedians have all cited Hemphill as an inspiration, and they have all used their own unique voices to make audiences laugh.

Hemphill’s influence on actors can also be seen in the work of Regina King, Viola Davis, and Octavia Spencer. These actresses have all played strong and complex roles that have resonated with audiences around the world. Hemphill’s work helped to pave the way for these actresses to succeed in Hollywood.

Hemphill’s influence on performers is undeniable. She was a true pioneer who broke down barriers and paved the way for others to follow. Her work will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for generations to come.

Shirley Hemphill’s Contributions to the Entertainment Industry

Shirley Hemphill was a talented and versatile actress who made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. She starred in several popular films, including “Cooley High” (

Q: What was Shirley Hemphill’s net worth at the time of her death?

A: Shirley Hemphill’s net worth was estimated to be $1 million at the time of her death.

Q: How did Shirley Hemphill make her money?

A: Shirley Hemphill made her money through her career as an actress and comedian. She starred in a number of films and television shows, including “The Wayans Bros.”, “Martin”, and “The Bernie Mac Show”. She also had a successful stand-up comedy career.

Q: What was Shirley Hemphill’s most famous role?

A: Shirley Hemphill’s most famous role was as Shirley Washington on the sitcom “The Wayans Bros.” She played the mother of Shawn and Marlon Wayans’ characters.

Q: How did Shirley Hemphill die?

A: Shirley Hemphill died of a heart attack on March 1, 2014, at the age of 59.

Q: What was Shirley Hemphill’s legacy?

A: Shirley Hemphill was a talented actress and comedian who left a lasting legacy on the entertainment industry. She will be remembered for her roles in “The Wayans Bros.”, “Martin”, and “The Bernie Mac Show”, as well as her stand-up comedy career.

Shirley Hemphill was a trailblazing actress who broke barriers for Black women in Hollywood. She had a long and successful career, appearing in dozens of films and television shows. She was also a dedicated activist who fought for social justice. Hemphill’s net worth at the time of her death was estimated to be $5 million. She left a lasting legacy as an actor, activist, and role model.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

• Shirley Hemphill was born in 1947 in Chicago, Illinois.
• She began her acting career in the 1970s and appeared in dozens of films and television shows.
• She was best known for her role as Shirley Wilson on the sitcom “Good Times.”
• Hemphill was also a dedicated activist who fought for social justice.
• She died of cancer in 1999 at the age of 52.
• Her net worth at the time of her death was estimated to be $5 million.

Shirley Hemphill was a talented actress and a passionate activist. She left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.