Personal Info
Shirley Hemphill
Acting
Biography
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, bu…
Known For
Filmography
Movies
TV Shows
Oddity Archive
as Shirley Wilson (archive footage) · 1 ep.
The Wayans Bros.
as Coco · 1 ep.
Martin
as Sister Claus · 1 ep.
What's Happening Now!!
as Shirley Wilson · 66 ep.
One in a Million
as Shirley Simmons · 13 ep.
The Love Boat
as Charlene Grover · 1 ep.
The Richard Pryor Show
5 ep.
What's Happening!!
as Shirley Wilson · 60 ep.
All's Fair
1 ep.
Good Times
1 ep.