Comedian and Chappelle's Show star Paul Mooney passes away
Oakland, California - Comedy legend and Chappelle's Show actor Paul Mooney has passed away at the age of 79 after suffering from a heart attack.
On Wednesday, Mooney's rep, Cassandra Williams, confirmed to Variety that the comedian died at his home in Oakland, California.
Mooney's official Twitter account wrote, "Thank you all from the bottom of all of our hearts...To all in love with this great man."
The stand-up comedian was best known for his appearance on Chappelle's Show, starring Dave Chappelle, where Mooney would regularly partake in skits as "negrodamus." Mooney's sketches helped reignite his career as he gained a large following among younger fans.
Mooney landed his first professional job in the 70s after he caught the attention of Richard Pryor. The actor wrote several of Pryor's routines and also appeared in the cult classics Which Way is Up? (1977), The Buddy Holly Story (1978), and Hollywood Shuffle (1987). Pryor's widow, Jennifer Lee, later confirmed allegations that Mooney had molested their son, Richard Jr.
The outspoken comedian was also the subject of controversy throughout the years for his views on racism, accusing Black celebrities of trying to play down their culture so they could blend in with white people. He also once joked that the Boston Marathon bombing victims deserved what they got.
Dave Chappelle spoke to TMZ about Mooney's passing and said the late comedian "will be sorely missed and wildly remembered."
Paul Mooney was born in Louisiana before he relocated to Oakland, where he was primarily raised by his grandmother. The actor is survived by his children, Dwayne, Shane, Darryl, and Symeon.
Cover photo: IMAGO / MediaPunch