Acting · Chicago, Illinois, USA · Born February 6, 1957
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.
MovieThe 51st AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Eddie Murphy
2026
as Self
TVMel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!
2026
as Self - Comedian & Filmmaker
TVBefore
2024
as Jackson
TVThe Bear
2022
as Emmanuel Adamu
MovieA Walk with Charles Burnett
2019
as Self
TVBlack Lightning
2018
as Dr. Napier Frank
MoviePlayin' for Love
2015
as Coach Banks
MovieScooby-Doo! Music of the Vampire
2012
as Vampire Actor #1 (voice)
MovieDirectors on Directing
2009
as Self
MovieWhy We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy
2009
as Self
MovieOf Boys and Men
2008
as Holden Cole
Tao of The Golden Mask
2007
TVBlack in the 80s
2005
as Self
MovieRichard Pryor: I Ain't Dead Yet, #*%$#@!!
2003
as Self
MovieBlack Listed
2003
as Alan Chambers
MovieI Was a Teenage Faust
2002
as Mr. Five
MovieUndercover Brother
2002
as Mr. UB
MovieBook of Love: The Definitive Reason Why Men Are Dogs
2002
MovieSidney Poitier: One Bright Light
2000
MovieUp, Up, and Away
2000
as Jim Marshall / Bronze Eagle
MovieTaxman
1999
as Peyton Cody
MovieMercenary II: Thick & Thin
1999
as Charlie Love
MovieJackie's Back!
1999
as Robert Townsend
MovieLove Songs
1999
as Champ
MovieJoseph's Gift
1999
as James Saunders
Motown Live
1998
as Self - Host
TVHollywood Squares
1998
as Self - Panelist
MovieStuart Hall: Representation & the Media
1997
as Archive Footage (Hollywood Shuffle)
Great Drives
1996
as Self - Host
TVHappily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child
1995
as Rumpelstiltskin (voice)
TVThe Parent 'Hood
1995
as Robert Peterson
MovieThe Legend of Dolemite! Bigger & Badder
1994
as Self
MovieThe Meteor Man
1993
as Jefferson Reed
The Carol Burnett Show
1991
MovieThe Five Heartbeats
1991
as Duck
MovieRobin Harris: One Night Stand
1990
as Bum #3
MovieRobert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 4
1989
MovieRobert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 3
1989
MovieThe Mighty Quinn
1989
as Maubee
MovieThat's Adequate
1989
as Standup Comic
MovieI'm Gonna Git You Sucka
1988
as Minor Role (uncredited)
MovieRobert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 2
1988
MovieNelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute
1988
as Self
MovieRobert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 1
1987
MovieUptown Comedy Express
1987
MovieHollywood Shuffle
1987
as Bobby Taylor
MovieRatboy
1986
as Manny
MovieRodney Dangerfield: It's Not Easy Bein' Me
1986
as Self
MovieOdd Jobs
1986
as Dwight
TVAmazing Stories
1985
as Billy Burliss
MovieAmerican Flyers
1985
as Jerome
MovieA Soldier's Story
1984
as Corporal Ellis
MovieStreets of Fire
1984
as The Sorels - Lester
MovieIn Love with an Older Woman
1982
as James
MovieSenior Trip
1981
as Randy
MovieWillie & Phil
1980
as Thin Boy
MovieWomen at West Point
1979
as Russell Baker
MovieThe Warriors
1979
as Baseball Fury (uncredited)
MovieThe Monkey Hustle
1976
as Musician
MovieMahogany
1975
as Extra (uncredited)
MovieCooley High
1975
as Basketball Player in Gym Class
TVM*A*S*H
1972
as Patient
