Robert Townsend Delivers Tales & Truths, Honestly    

by Robert M. Gardner

When co-producer Don Reed steps forward to introduce Robert Townsend, enthusiasm for the show immediately energizes us. For 90 joyful minutes, Townsend astounds, confides, and reveals the challenges and triumphs of a remarkable life in show business.

The common note through his life resounds with Townsend’s resilience when he was faced with racism and doubt from those who refused to believe in his talent. Townsend’s indomitable spirit comes through powerfully. Each time he takes on a new challenge, he responds to critics with his quick wit, amazing talent, and his irresistible charm. Doubters quickly turn into lifelong fans.

More remarkable than his successes are his responses to his detractors. Anyone who doubts themselves will find hope and inspiration in his true Hollywood stories. Townsend provides food for the soul and those who lack confidence or belief in themselves.

As a kid growing up in Chicago, Townsend earned the nickname “TV Boy” because he watched TV all day while his parents worked. Later, he would replay the shows for them, imitating all the voices.

He performed not only for his parents but for his classmates. He imitates Ed Sullivan, Johnny Carson, and Jackie Gleason, taking us back to the early days of TV.  Obsessed with performing, Townsend confesses to “borrowing” the complete works of Shakespeare in recordings from the local library.  In grade school, he reads aloud from Hamlet in full theatrical voice. In the spirit of Laurence Olivier, he amazes teacher and classmates.

As a stand-up comedian, Townsend entertains a convention with a reading of Shakespeare in the hood. His imagination takes us back and forth between Elizabethan English and street slang. Hilarious!

Townsend becomes friends with Keenan Ivory Wayans, following him to Hollywood. There they both struggle to find roles for Black that are not just cliches. It’s the 70s and good roles for African American are impossible to find.

Frustrated, they decide to make their own movie on a credit card and a shoestring budget of $100,000. They come up with the highly successful movie called Hollywood Shuffle, which earns $5.2 million.  The movie’s success leads to Townsend directing Raw, starring Eddie Murphy—a resounding success.

Townsend’s honesty makes him even more believable, as he recounts the failure of his marriage and the continuing struggle against U.S. racism. Just listening to Townsend energizes me and gives me hope for the future.

Despite his serious message, Townsend maintains a constant banter, making us laugh and cry.  After all, laughter is still the best medicine. And Robert Townsend knows how to evoke it on TV, movies, and onstage. Don’t miss his great return to The Marsh, in Berkeley.

 

“Living the Shuffle” by Robert Townsend, co-produced by Don Reed, at The Marsh, Berkeley. Info: themarsh.org – to March 9, 2025.

Cast: Robert Townsend

Banner photo: Robert Townsend. Photos by Michael Baumer