Paul Mooney
Paul Mooney: A Life of Unapologetic Truth-Telling
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Paul Mooney was born Lathamuel Maurice Coleman on August 14, 1935. He is often referred to as Paul Mooney or simply Mooney.
Birth and Death Dates
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Mooney passed away on May 19, 2021, at the age of 83.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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An American comedian, actor, writer, and social commentator, Mooney was known for his biting wit and unapologetic truth-telling. His career spanned over six decades, with numerous appearances on television shows, films, and stage performances.
Early Life and Background
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Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Mooney grew up in a poor household with his mother and siblings. He moved to Los Angeles at the age of 15 and began performing stand-up comedy in local clubs. After serving in the United States Marine Corps, he started working as a writer for comedian Eddie Murphy.
Major Accomplishments
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Mooney's writing credits include several films, including _Beverly Hills Cop_ (1984) and _Coming to America_ (1988), both of which starred Eddie Murphy. He also appeared in numerous television shows, such as _In Living Color_, where he was a cast member and writer from 1990 to 1994.
Notable Works or Actions
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Mooney's writing often tackled sensitive topics, including racism, politics, and social inequality. His unapologetic style earned him both praise and criticism, but his influence on comedy is undeniable. He also released several albums, including _Black Is the New Black_ (2004), which featured his biting commentary on contemporary issues.
Impact and Legacy
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Mooney's impact on American comedy is significant. His willingness to tackle tough subjects paved the way for future generations of comedians to address difficult topics with honesty and humor. He has been cited as an influence by comedians such as Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, and Cedric the Entertainer.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Mooney's quotes and writings continue to be widely referenced due to their biting commentary on social issues. His unapologetic style has made him a beloved figure in comedy circles, and his influence can still be seen in contemporary comedians who tackle tough subjects with humor.
Throughout his career, Mooney remained true to himself, never backing down from controversy or criticism. His impact on American comedy is undeniable, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of comedians, writers, and social commentators.
In a 2013 interview with _The Guardian_, Mooney reflected on his career: "I'm not a comedian who makes people laugh; I make people think." This commitment to telling the truth, no matter how uncomfortable, has cemented Mooney's place as one of the most important figures in American comedy history.
Quotes by Paul Mooney
We have a lot of black Anglo-Saxons. Their skin is black, but their brain is white. When I get real mad at them, I call them 'graham crackers.'
People don't want to hear the truth; they never do. They wanna live in some kind of fantasy.
If your hair is relaxed, white people are relaxed. If your hair is nappy, they're not happy.
No wonder circus animals do what they do: They tortured them. And you know the only ones they can't control? It's the chimpanzees. You can't control them. That's why you never see a gorilla in a movie, because the gorilla may decide there'll be no filming.
When I was 16 or 17, I saw Lenny Bruce being taken to jail. They took him off stage because he talked about race.
People do many things for many reasons. Sometimes, what you do you have no control over, because it's predestined. It's gonna happen in spite of you. There's nothing you can do about it.