Biography
A native of Asheville, North Carolina, Hemphill moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s to pursue a career as a stand-up comedian. After working the Los Angeles comedy club circuit, her routine eventually attracted attention leading to her being cast in guest starring roles on television. In 1976, she landed the role of brassy waitress Shirley Wilson on the sitcom What's Happening!!.
Filmography
Cast Credits
Oddity Archive
Character: Shirley Wilson (archive footage)
TV • 2012
The Wayans Bros.
Character: Coco
TV • 1995
CB4
Character: 976-Sexy
MOVIE • 1993
Martin
Character:
TV • 1992
What's Happening Now!!
Character:
TV • 1985
One in a Million
Character: Shirley Simmons
TV • 1980
The Love Boat
Character: Charlene Grover
TV • 1977
The Richard Pryor Show
Character:
TV • 1977
The Richard Pryor Special?
Character: Pushy Fan from Tour Group
MOVIE • 1977
All's Fair
Character:
TV • 1976
What's Happening!!
Character: Shirley Wilson
TV • 1976
Good Times
Character:
TV • 1974
The Mike Douglas Show
Character: Self
TV • 1961