Robert Townsend
Known for: Acting
Robert Townsend (born February 6, 1957) is an American actor, director, comedian, and writer. 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.
Filmography
Series
The Bear
Emmanuel Adamu
2022
Series
Hollywood Squares
Self - Panelist
1998
Series
M*A*S*H
Patient
1972
Series
Black Lightning
Dr. Napier Frank
2018
Series
Amazing Stories
Billy Burliss
1985
Series
Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child
Rumpelstiltskin (voice)
1995
Series
Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!
Self - Comedian & Filmmaker
2026
Film
The Warriors
Baseball Fury (uncredited)
1979
Series
Before
Jackson
2024
Series
The Parent 'Hood
Robert Peterson
1995
Film
Streets of Fire
The Sorels - Lester
1984
Film
Undercover Brother
Mr. UB
2002
Film
I'm Gonna Git You Sucka
Minor Role (uncredited)
1988
Film
Scooby-Doo! Music of the Vampire
Vampire Actor #1 (voice)
2012
Film
AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Eddie Murphy
Self
2026
Film
The Mighty Quinn
Maubee
1989
Great Drives
Self - Host
1996
Film
The Meteor Man
Jefferson Reed
1993
Film
A Soldier's Story
Corporal Ellis
1984
Motown Live
Self - Host
1998
Film
Sidney Poitier: One Bright Light
2000
Film
American Flyers
Jerome
1985
Film
The Five Heartbeats
Duck
1991
Series
Black in the 80s
Self
2005
Film
Willie & Phil
Thin Boy
1980
Film
Love Songs
Champ
1999
Film
I Was a Teenage Faust
Mr. Five
2002
Film
That's Adequate
Standup Comic
1989
Film
Richard Pryor: I Ain't Dead Yet, #*%$#@!!
Self
2003
The Carol Burnett Show
1991
Film
Cooley High
Basketball Player in Gym Class
1975
Film
The Legend of Dolemite! Bigger & Badder
Self
1994
Film
Up, Up, and Away
Jim Marshall / Bronze Eagle
2000
Film
Hollywood Shuffle
Bobby Taylor
1987
Film
Black Listed
Alan Chambers
2003
Film
Uptown Comedy Express
1987
Film
Mahogany
Extra (uncredited)
1975
Film
In Love with an Older Woman
James
1982
Film
Odd Jobs
Dwight
1986
Film
Jackie's Back!
Robert Townsend
1999
Film
Ratboy
Manny
1986
Film
Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute
Self
1988
Film
Mercenary II: Thick & Thin
Charlie Love
1999
Film
Joseph's Gift
James Saunders
1999
Film
Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy
Self
2009
Film
Women at West Point
Russell Baker
1979
Film
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 2
1988
Film
Taxman
Peyton Cody
1999
Film
Senior Trip
Randy
1981
Film
Book of Love: The Definitive Reason Why Men Are Dogs
2002
Film
The Monkey Hustle
Musician
1976
Film
Of Boys and Men
Holden Cole
2008
Film
Playin' for Love
Coach Banks
2015
Film
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 3
1989
Film
Rodney Dangerfield: It's Not Easy Bein' Me
Self
1986
Tao of The Golden Mask
2007
Film
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 4
1989
Film
Directors on Directing
Self
2009
Film
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 1
1987
Film
A Walk with Charles Burnett
Self
2019
Film
Stuart Hall: Representation & the Media
Archive Footage (Hollywood Shuffle)
1997
Film
Robin Harris: One Night Stand
Bum #3
1990