Mooney was considered a founding member of the "Black Pack," an informal group of influential African-American comedians, including Eddie Murphy, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Arsenio Hall, and Robert Townsend. His collaborations with these entertainers emphasized his cultural relevance and versatility as a writer and performer. Mooney also provided early breaks to stars like Sandra Bernhard, Robin Williams, Marsha Warfield, and Tim Reid while serving as head writer on "The Richard Pryor Show."
His filmography includes cult classics like "Which Way Is Up?," "Bustin' Loose," and "Hollywood Shuffle." He appeared in Spike Lee's thought-provoking film "Bamboozled," and also acted in "The Buddy Holly Story"—although he did not portray Sam Cooke, as sometimes misreported. Mooney significantly contributed to the entertainment industry with roles and writing assignments that remained bold, relevant, and unapologetically honest.
Despite his impactful contributions to American comedy, Paul Mooney’s estimated net worth was around $500,000. It was speculated that his cancer treatments and health complications might have contributed to his relatively modest wealth. As of 2016, at age 74, he continued performing — a testament to his enduring commitment to comedic expression and the stage.
Known for his towering presence, Mooney stood approximately 6 feet 0½ inches tall. A proud African-American performer, he seamlessly blended his identity into his comedy, using personal experience as a foundation for commentary on race and society.
Described as cocky, sharp-tongued, and straightforward, Mooney’s persona was as famous off-screen as it was on-stage. He once stated that his comedy arises from what he observes and hears around him, often using brutal truth as his comedic framework. His realistic approach to life and humor made him both revered and controversial.
Paul Mooney was previously married to African-American actress Yvonne Mooney, with whom he had three children. Tragically, his son Symeon Mooney was murdered in 2001. While there's a rumor of Paul having another child after his divorce, this remains unverified. At one point, he also dated actress Lori Petty.
Mooney maintained a minimal personal presence on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. However, his legacy lives on through numerous fan pages, online interviews, and archived performances, allowing audiences to revisit and study his remarkable contributions to American comedy.
Return to the previous page| Net Worth 2021: | 500 thousand |
