Biography
Robert Townsend (born February 6, 1957) is an American actor, comedian, and filmmaker. Townsend is best known for directing the films Hollywood Shuffle (1987), Eddie Murphy Raw (1987), The Meteor Man (1993), The Five Heartbeats (1991) and various other films and stand-up specials. He is especially known for his eponymous self-titled character, Robert Peterson as the starring role as on The WB sitcom The Parent 'Hood (1995–1999), a series which he created and of which directed select episodes. Townsend is also known for his role as Donald "Duck" Matthews in his 1991 film The Five Heartbeats. He later wrote, directed and produced Making The Five Heartbeats (2018), a documentary film about the production process and behind the scenes insight into creating the film. Townsend is also known for his production company Townsend Entertainment which has produced films Playin' for Love, In the Hive and more. During the 1980s and early–1990s, Townsend gained national exposure through his stand-up comedy routines and appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Townsend has worked with talent including Halle Berry, Morgan Freeman, Chris Tucker, Beyoncé, Denzel Washington and many more.
Acted in 47
2020s
- 2024
- 2022
2010s
- 2018
- 2015
Playin' for Love
Coach Banks
- 2012
2000s
- 2008
Of Boys and Men
Holden Cole
- 2003
Black Listed
Alan Chambers
- 2002
I Was a Teenage Faust
Mr. Five
Book of Love: The Definitive Reason Why Men Are Dogs
Movie
- 2000
1990s
- 1999
Mercenary II: Thick & Thin
Charlie Love
Love Songs
Champ
- 1997
Stuart Hall: Representation & the Media
Archive Footage (Hollywood Shuffle)
- 1995
- 1993
The Meteor Man
Jefferson Reed
- 1991
The Five Heartbeats
Duck
- 1990
Robin Harris: One Night Stand
Bum #3
1980s
- 1989
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 4
Movie
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 3
Movie
That's Adequate
Standup Comic
- 1988
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 2
Movie
- 1987
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 1
Movie
Uptown Comedy Express
Movie
- 1986
Ratboy
Manny
Odd Jobs
Dwight
- 1985
- 1984
- 1982
In Love with an Older Woman
James
- 1981
Senior Trip
Randy
- 1980
Willie & Phil
Thin Boy
1970s
- 1979
Women at West Point
Russell Baker
- 1976
The Monkey Hustle
Musician
- 1975
Mahogany
Extra (uncredited)
- 1972
Directed 37
2020s
- 2024
- 2023
- 2022
- 2021
2010s
- 2019
A Walk with Charles Burnett
Director
- 2018
Making The Five Heartbeats
Director
Love Is___
Director
- 2015
Playin' for Love
Director
- 2013
Bill Cosby: Far From Finished
Director
- 2012
In the Hive
Director
2000s
- 2009
Diary of a Single Mom
Director
Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy
Director
- 2008
- 2005
- 2003
Black Listed
Director
- 2002
10,000 Black Men Named George
Director
- 2001
Carmen: A Hip Hopera
Director
- 2000
Livin' for Love: The Natalie Cole Story
Director
Little Richard
Director
1990s
- 1999
From Behind Closed Doors
Director
Love Songs
Director
- 1997
B.A.P.S
Director
- 1995
- 1993
The Meteor Man
Director
- 1991
The Five Heartbeats
Director
1980s
- 1989
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 4
Director
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 3
Director
- 1988
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 2
Director
- 1987
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 1
Director
Eddie Murphy Raw
Director
Wrote 10
2010s
- 2015
Playin' for Love
Writer
1990s
- 1993
The Meteor Man
Screenplay
- 1991
The Five Heartbeats
Writer
1980s
- 1989
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 4
Writer
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 3
Writer
- 1988
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 2
Writer
- 1987
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 1
Writer
Uptown Comedy Express
Writer
- 1986
Rodney Dangerfield: It's Not Easy Bein' Me
Writer
Produced 9
2010s
- 2018
Making The Five Heartbeats
Producer
- 2015
Playin' for Love
Producer
2000s
- 2008
Of Boys and Men
Producer
1990s
- 1995
- 1993
The Meteor Man
Producer
- 1991
The Five Heartbeats
Producer
1980s
- 1989
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 4
Executive Producer
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 3
Executive Producer
- 1987
Created 1
1990s
- 1995
Appearances11
2020s
- 2026
2010s
- 2019
A Walk with Charles Burnett
Self
2000s
- 2009
Directors on Directing
Self
Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy
Self
- 2005
Black in the 80s
Self · 3 episodes
- 2003
Richard Pryor: I Ain't Dead Yet, #*%$#@!!
Self
1990s
- 1998
- 1994
The Legend of Dolemite! Bigger & Badder
Self
1980s
- 1988
Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute
Self
- 1986
Rodney Dangerfield: It's Not Easy Bein' Me
Self
Thanked in the credits1
2010s
- 2013
Bill Cosby: Far From Finished
Thanks