Comedian Paul Mooney, 'Richard Pryor Show' writer and 'Bamboozled' actor, dies at 79


Paul Mooney, known for his comedic writing for Richard Pryor and appearances in "Bamboozled" and "Chappelle's Show" has died. He was 79. 

The Emmy-nominated comedian's agent Helene Shaw confirmed to USA TODAY that Mooney died of a heart attack. "The Brilliant, talented, one of a kind, comedian, Paul Mooney has passed away. He died of a heart attack. There are many stars in the sky, but there will always be only ONE MOON," Shaw shared in a statement.

Journalist Roland Martin also announced news of the comedian's death on Twitter: "Comedic legend Paul Mooney has passed away. His cousin, Rudy Ealy, just called me from Paul's phone and said he passed away two hours ago after suffering a heart attack at his home in Oakland." 

The comedian was born as Paul Gladney in Shreveport, Louisiana. After moving to Oakland, California, Mooney started his career in funny business as a circus ringmaster and later went on to write and work with comedy superstars. 

His sage and incisive musings on racism and American life made him a revered figure in stand-up.

Mooney was the writer behind some of Pryor's greatest comedy hits like "Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip" and "The Richard Pryor Show." His friendship and collaboration with Pryor began in 1968 and lasted until Pryor’s death in 2005. Together, they confronted racism perhaps more directly than it ever had been before onstage. Mooney chronicled their partnership in his 2007 memoir “Black Is the New White.”

Read More:   USAtoday.com

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