The Short Life of TV Star Shirley Hemphill ('What's Happening!!'): 25 Years After Her Tragic Death

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As the quick-witted waitress character Shirley Wilson on TV's beloved sitcom What's Happening!!, charismatic actress Shirley Hemphill gained attention. The series originally aired on ABC and was later rebooted in syndication in the 1980s. In each edition of the show, Hemphill, who died twenty-five years ago at only 52 in 1999, made her mark. This is her story.

A Closer Look

Shirley Hemphill was born Shirley Ann Hemphill on July 1, 1947, in Asheville, North Carolina.

In 1967, Hemphill won an athletic scholarship to Morristown College and graduated with an AA in Physical Education. But she would later switch career aspirations.

After mailing a cassette tape of her most humorous and clever material to entertainment icon Flip Wilson, Hemphill was inspired by the supportive performer to follow her comedy dreams.

The Next Major Step

In 1973, Shirley Hemphill relocated to Los Angeles and divided her time between a variety of waitress jobs and polishing what became her stand-up act at comedy clubs. After submitting a tape of her best material to Flip Wilson, then one of TV's most popular comedians and personalities, Hemphill received the encouragement and motivation to keep pursuing her dream of performing.

In 1975, Hemphill received her big break: she was cast in ABC's What's Happening!!, and later in the syndicated sequel, What's Happening Now!!

Two decades later, Hemphill was still going strong with appearances on TV's Martin sitcom.

Then Strategy Struck

On December 10, 1999, Shirley Hemphill was found dead at her home in West Covina, CA. Her body was discovered face down by a gardener who peered through a window and saw her on her bedroom floor. An autopsy determined that Hemphill died of kidney failure and natural causes.

The actress, who lived alone, appeared to have been dead for some time.

Shortly following Hemphill's demise, Rosie O'Donnell paid tribute to the performer on her talk show. O'Donnell acknowledged Hemphill as the first celebrity she met when she first began stand-up comedy. O'Donnell credited Hempill with helping her land her first paying job, by instructing the given club's managers to put O'Donnell on stage where Shirley was performing.

Conclusion

There most likely will never be another TV star like Shirley Hemphill. She was a dynamic performer who stole the spotlight on whatever stage she performed, be it on the live stage of a comedy club or the set of a TV sitcom. She was a scene-stealer in every best sense of the term, and she will never be forgotten by millions of TV viewers around the world.