The Evolution of Robert Townsend
The evolution of Robert Townsend
1 / 8
The Quintuple Threat - The actor, writer, producer and director first stepped on the scene as a comedian. (Photo: SAGA /Landov)
2 / 8
Hollywood Shuffle - In a satirical look at difficulties faced by African-Americans looking for roles in Hollywood, Hollywood Shuffle, Townsend's first major motion motion picture, features him playing an actor limited to stereotypical roles because of his ethnicity.
3 / 8
The Five Heartbeats - A 1991 musical drama which Townsend not only starred in but also directed. The plot was loosely based on the careers of several artists from the golden era of Motown, including The Tempations, Jame Brown, Sam Cooke, Frankie Lymon and others.
Photo By Photo: Courtesy Twentieth Century Fox Pictures
4 / 8
Meteor Man - This 1993 film written, directed and starring Robert Townsend tells the story of a schoolteacher who becomes a superhero after being hit by a meteor.
5 / 8
Television Career - Townsend has had several TV roles, including on his own series, The Parent 'Hood, which he executive-produced. The series was on the air from 1995 to 1999. (Photo: Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup)
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6 / 8
Black Listed - Written, directed and starring Townsend, this film tells the story of Alan Chambers, a lawyer who watches as the justice system cuts loose dealers, rapists and killers. After making a list of known criminals, Chambers assembles a team made up of his fellow law friends and takes to the streets to punish the dealers, rapists, pimps and thugs that the law couldn't.
7 / 8
The Five Heartbeats Reunite! - Robert Townsend, along with the other stars of The Five Heartbeats, performed at the BET awards at the Shrine Auditorium on June 26, 2011 in Los Angeles. (Photo: Vince Bucci/PictureGroup)