Paul Mooney Biography

Fast Facts

• Made his screen acting debut in the TV movie "Carter's Army" in 1970
• Joined the Charles Gody Circus during his youth and eventually became ringmaster, a position in which he first discovered his comedic voice
• Quote: "I always drop history․ It's knowledge․ There's always a message in my comedy and you may not get it that night - it's like time bombs․ It'll get you a week later․ You'll understand․"
• Best known as a writer and comedian frequently works with Richard Pryor and who has made several appearances on "Chappelle's Show․"
• During his time as head writer of "The Richard Pryor Show," he oversaw the national television debuts of Robin Williams, Sandra Bernhard, and Tim Reid, among others
• The wide range of material he wrote for Richard Pryor included his routines for his "Saturday Night Live" appearance, the film "Jo Jo Dancer," and the comedy albums "Live on Sunset" and "Is It Something I Said․"
• Appeared in the film "Bamboozled" with Damon Wayans and Jada Pinkett-Smith