Robert Townsend
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.
TV Shows(13)
Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!
Self - Comedian & Filmmaker
2026
Before
Jackson
2024
The Bear
Emmanuel Adamu
2022
Black Lightning
Dr. Napier Frank
2018
Black in the 80s
Self
2005
Motown Live
Self - Host
1998
Hollywood Squares
Self - Panelist
1998
Great Drives
Self - Host
1996
Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child
Rumpelstiltskin (voice)
1995
The Parent 'Hood
Robert Peterson
1995
The Carol Burnett Show
1991
Amazing Stories
Billy Burliss
1985
M*A*S*H
Patient
1972
Movies(49)
The 51st AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Eddie Murphy
Self
2026
A Walk with Charles Burnett
Self
2019
Playin' for Love
Coach Banks
2015
Scooby-Doo! Music of the Vampire
Vampire Actor #1 (voice)
2012
Directors on Directing
Self
2009
Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy
Self
2009
Of Boys and Men
Holden Cole
2008
Tao of The Golden Mask
2007
Richard Pryor: I Ain't Dead Yet, #*%$#@!!
Self
2003
Black Listed
Alan Chambers
2003
I Was a Teenage Faust
Mr. Five
2002
Undercover Brother
Mr. UB
2002
Book of Love: The Definitive Reason Why Men Are Dogs
2002
Sidney Poitier: One Bright Light
2000
Up, Up, and Away
Jim Marshall / Bronze Eagle
2000
Taxman
Peyton Cody
1999
Mercenary II: Thick & Thin
Charlie Love
1999
Jackie's Back!
Robert Townsend
1999
Love Songs
Champ
1999
Joseph's Gift
James Saunders
1999
Stuart Hall: Representation & the Media
Archive Footage (Hollywood Shuffle)
1997
The Legend of Dolemite! Bigger & Badder
Self
1994
The Meteor Man
Jefferson Reed
1993
The Five Heartbeats
Duck
1991
Robin Harris: One Night Stand
Bum #3
1990
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 4
1989
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 3
1989
The Mighty Quinn
Maubee
1989
That's Adequate
Standup Comic
1989
I'm Gonna Git You Sucka
Minor Role (uncredited)
1988
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 2
1988
Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute
Self
1988
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 1
1987
Uptown Comedy Express
1987
Hollywood Shuffle
Bobby Taylor
1987
Ratboy
Manny
1986
Rodney Dangerfield: It's Not Easy Bein' Me
Self
1986
Odd Jobs
Dwight
1986
American Flyers
Jerome
1985
A Soldier's Story
Corporal Ellis
1984
Streets of Fire
The Sorels - Lester
1984
In Love with an Older Woman
James
1982
Senior Trip
Randy
1981
Willie & Phil
Thin Boy
1980
Women at West Point
Russell Baker
1979
The Warriors
Baseball Fury (uncredited)
1979
The Monkey Hustle
Musician
1976
Mahogany
Extra (uncredited)
1975
Cooley High
Basketball Player in Gym Class
1975