Paul Mooney, the pioneering comic, writer and actor, has died at age 79. Mooney died Wednesday at 5:30 a.m. at his home in Oakland, California. His family posted on Mooney’s Twitter account Wednesday morning,“Thank you all from the bottom of all of our hearts …you’re all are the best!…… Mooney World .. The Godfather of Comedy – ONE MOON MANY STARS! .. To all in love with this great man.. many thanks,”
In addition to performing his own material, Mooney was famously a writer for the late comedian Richard Pryor. Mooney was introduced to a whole new generation of fans when he appeared multiple times on Chappelle’s Show, including the classic segment, “Ask a Black Dude.”
ASK A BLACK DUDE BY PAUL MOONEY JR. – CHAPPELLE SHOW SPOOF
Mooney has numerous film credits, including playing the legendary Sam Cooke in The Buddy Holly Story (1978).
Paul Mooney-It’s Showtime at the Apollo! Comedy!! Classic! 1989