Robert Townsend
Keynote Speaker: Actor, Director, Independent Filmmaker, NAACP Award Nominee
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Robert Townsend Biography
Robert Townsend is a versatile actor, director, writer, and producer, renowned for his innovative contributions to both Hollywood and independent cinema. Born and raised on the rough West Side of Chicago, Townsend is best known for creating films that challenge stereotypes and bring authentic portrayals of African American life to the screen. His breakout work came in 1987 with "Hollywood Shuffle," a satirical comedy that he co-wrote, directed, and starred in. This film humorously critiques the limited and often demeaning roles available to Black actors in Hollywood and was financed on a shoestring budget through his own credit cards, establishing Townsend as a trailblazer in independent filmmaking.
From an early age, Townsend entertained his mother with impressions of TV personalities, paving his way to a career in entertainment that started at Chicago’s Experimental Black Actors Guild X-Bag Theatre, and as a stand-up comedian at The Improvisation in New York. Gaining national exposure during the 1980s and early–1990s through his stand-up comedy routines and appearances on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," Townsend’s Hollywood roles included performances opposite Denzel Washington in "A Soldier’s Story" and Kevin Costner in "American Flyers."
Townsend’s directorial ventures include the inner-city fable "The Meteor Man," starring James Earl Jones and Eddie Griffin, and the soul musical "The Five Heartbeats," a fictional story about an African American singing group navigating fame and friendship, inspired by real-life Motown acts. Besides these, his notable works such as "Holiday Heart," "The Meteor Man," and "Hollywood Shuffle" have collectively garnered over 30 NAACP Image Awards nominations. Townsend has also directed many acclaimed actors across various projects, including Eddie Murphy, Halle Berry, and Beyonce Knowles in "Carmen: A Hip Hopera."
Apart from his film and television career, Townsend served as the CEO of the Black Family Channel where he created over 15 original series before the network was sold. He continues to be a significant influence in the film industry, sharing his expertise through lectures and master classes on topics such as "Images of Color in Hollywood" and "How to Develop and Create Stories from the Script to the Screen."
Committed to humanitarian efforts, Townsend is a prominent speaker for the United Negro College Fund and the Congressional Black Caucus, focusing his efforts on inspiring inner-city youth. His personal story of overcoming poverty and adversity to achieve success in the entertainment industry resonates deeply during his speaking engagements, empowering young people across the country to pursue their dreams.
Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Robert Townsend and other top speakers and celebrities.
Robert Townsend Speaking Topics
Growing up in a rough neighborhood is a disadvantage to some. Others, like Townsend, used his environment as a motivator to escape. Each day after school, he ran home—past the pimps, dealers and gangbangers—to watch television. He connected with the amazing stories he saw coming through that little black and white TV, and preferred the TV fantasies to the harsh realities of the West Side of Chicago. In fact, he watched so much TV, his family nicknamed him “TV Guide.” Townsend discovered that he had a gift to do impressions of the actors he saw on television (over 30 voices). In fact, his talent revealed itself in elementary school while reading the classic “Oedipus Rex.” One day, he dazzled the class with his ability to transform effortlessly into a character, and in that moment, he knew he was going to be in show business.
Townsend has gone on to act, write, direct and produce television shows and films, including projects starring Academy Award winners Halle Berry, Denzel Washington and Michael Clarke Duncan, as well as a who’s who of comedy superstars, like Eddie Murphy, Keenan Ivory Wayans and Chris Tucker. Without formal film education or outside funding, Townsend became part of Hollywood legend when he used his credit cards to finance his first film—a satire depicting the trials and tribulations of African American actors in Hollywood. The film of course, was the critically acclaimed Hollywood Shuffle, which he co-wrote with Keenan Ivory Wayans, and starred in, directed and produced. Townsend’s body of work truly shows his range as an artist. From comedies such as Eddie Murphy Raw; BAP*S with Halle Berry; musicals like Carmen: A HipHopera starring Beyonce; The Natalie Cole Story with Natalie Cole; dramas like 10,000 Black Men Named George, which garnered Charles Dutton an Image Award for best supporting actor; as well as Holiday Heart, in which Townsend directed Alfre Woodard in a Golden Globe-nominated performance. Additionally, Townsend created, starred, produced and directed the first African American superhero action-comedy The Meteor Man and produced the beloved film, The Five Heartbeats Townsend. For his efforts to improve portrayals of African Americans in film and television, he has been nominated for over 30 NAACP Image Awards.
Forever the visionary, Townsend even ran a small television network called the Black Family Channel and created over 15 original series as President and CEO. Today, he continues to create films and TV shows—as well as lecture on “Images of Color in Hollywood,” “The Spirit of an Entrepreneur” and “How to Develop and Create Stories from the Script to the Screen.” Townsend knows that he wouldn’t have gotten where he is today without faith, determination and strength. In this presentation, he discusses how he got out of the inner city and created the life he wanted. The famous funnyman tailors his talks to each organization; but no matter which type of audience attends, they are sure to be inspired and changed by his uplifting positive message.
Acclaimed director, writer and actor Townsend will take you on a hilarious rollercoaster ride through life’s failures, roadblocks and triumphs. In this riotous one-man show, Townsend recounts growing up on Chicago’s rough West Side. You’ll hear about how he escaped gangbangers, thugs and pimps by running home to watch TV and hone impressions of popular actors. He blossomed into a young theater actor and then a New York City comedian—and learned life lessons that changed him forever.
In this performance, Townsend shares his Hollywood journey. He’ll recount how he: funded his first film entirely on credit cards while running from the police; screened his film Hollywood Shuffle in a disastrous way for Eddie Murphy; attended Frank Sinatra’s 77th birthday party; found himself heckled by Don Rickles; and almost lost his life while meeting Elia Kazan. You’ll also hear about the phone call from Sidney Poitier that nearly broke his heart. This unforgettable evening will inspire the dreamer in all of us.
Robert Townsend Videos
How do I book Robert Townsend to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Robert Townsend for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Robert Townsend, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Robert Townsend or any other speaker of your choice.
How much does it cost to book Robert Townsend for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Robert Townsend, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fee for a live event is $50,000 - $100,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire Robert Townsend, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
What topics does Robert Townsend speak about?
Robert Townsend is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Comedy, Entertainers, Television & Film, Acting, Diversity & Inclusion, Black Heritage, Entrepreneurship, Business, Celebrity, Social Activism, Anti-Racism, Leadership and Culture.
Who is the agent for Robert Townsend?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Robert Townsend for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Robert Townsend for your next private or corporate function.
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Robert Townsend or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
Robert Townsend is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Comedy, Entertainers and Television & Film. The estimated speaking fee range to book Robert Townsend for live events is $50,000 - $100,000. Please contact us for virtual event fees. Robert Townsend can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Spike Lee, Will Packer and Issa Rae. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Robert Townsend for an upcoming event.
SPEAKING TOPICS
Robert Townsend Speaking Topics
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Robert Townsend: From the Hood to Hollywood
Growing up in a rough neighborhood is a disadvantage to some. Others, like Townsend, used his environment as a motivator to escape. Each day after school, he ran home—past the pimps, dealers and gangbangers—to watch television. He connected with the amazing stories he saw coming through that little black and white TV, and preferred the TV fantasies to the harsh realities of the West Side of Chicago. In fact, he watched so much TV, his family nicknamed him “TV Guide.” Townsend discovered that he had a gift to do impressions of the actors he saw on television (over 30 voices). In fact, his talent revealed itself in elementary school while reading the classic “Oedipus Rex.” One day, he dazzled the class with his ability to transform effortlessly into a character, and in that moment, he knew he was going to be in show business.
Townsend has gone on to act, write, direct and produce television shows and films, including projects starring Academy Award winners Halle Berry, Denzel Washington and Michael Clarke Duncan, as well as a who’s who of comedy superstars, like Eddie Murphy, Keenan Ivory Wayans and Chris Tucker. Without formal film education or outside funding, Townsend became part of Hollywood legend when he used his credit cards to finance his first film—a satire depicting the trials and tribulations of African American actors in Hollywood. The film of course, was the critically acclaimed Hollywood Shuffle, which he co-wrote with Keenan Ivory Wayans, and starred in, directed and produced. Townsend’s body of work truly shows his range as an artist. From comedies such as Eddie Murphy Raw; BAP*S with Halle Berry; musicals like Carmen: A HipHopera starring Beyonce; The Natalie Cole Story with Natalie Cole; dramas like 10,000 Black Men Named George, which garnered Charles Dutton an Image Award for best supporting actor; as well as Holiday Heart, in which Townsend directed Alfre Woodard in a Golden Globe-nominated performance. Additionally, Townsend created, starred, produced and directed the first African American superhero action-comedy The Meteor Man and produced the beloved film, The Five Heartbeats Townsend. For his efforts to improve portrayals of African Americans in film and television, he has been nominated for over 30 NAACP Image Awards.
Forever the visionary, Townsend even ran a small television network called the Black Family Channel and created over 15 original series as President and CEO. Today, he continues to create films and TV shows—as well as lecture on “Images of Color in Hollywood,” “The Spirit of an Entrepreneur” and “How to Develop and Create Stories from the Script to the Screen.” Townsend knows that he wouldn’t have gotten where he is today without faith, determination and strength. In this presentation, he discusses how he got out of the inner city and created the life he wanted. The famous funnyman tailors his talks to each organization; but no matter which type of audience attends, they are sure to be inspired and changed by his uplifting positive message.
-
Robert Townsend: Shakespeare, Pimps and Hollywood
Acclaimed director, writer and actor Townsend will take you on a hilarious rollercoaster ride through life’s failures, roadblocks and triumphs. In this riotous one-man show, Townsend recounts growing up on Chicago’s rough West Side. You’ll hear about how he escaped gangbangers, thugs and pimps by running home to watch TV and hone impressions of popular actors. He blossomed into a young theater actor and then a New York City comedian—and learned life lessons that changed him forever.
In this performance, Townsend shares his Hollywood journey. He’ll recount how he: funded his first film entirely on credit cards while running from the police; screened his film Hollywood Shuffle in a disastrous way for Eddie Murphy; attended Frank Sinatra’s 77th birthday party; found himself heckled by Don Rickles; and almost lost his life while meeting Elia Kazan. You’ll also hear about the phone call from Sidney Poitier that nearly broke his heart. This unforgettable evening will inspire the dreamer in all of us.
VIDEO
Robert Townsend Videos
NEWS
Robert Townsend News
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Hollywood's Heartbeat: A Conversation With Robert Townsend : NPR
Robert Townsend is a pioneer in Hollywood. As a writer, director and actor, he's built an extensive resume of television and film work, bringing black stories to ...
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Robert Townsend's 'The Five Heartbeats' Is Now Broadway Bound ...
EXCLUSIVE: The Five Heartbeats, Robert Townsend's story about the trials and tribulations of a band of five talented guys in a musical group during the rise of ...
FAQS
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How do I book Robert Townsend to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Robert Townsend for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Robert Townsend, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Robert Townsend or any other speaker of your choice. -
How much does it cost to book Robert Townsend for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Robert Townsend, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fee for a live event is $50,000 - $100,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire Robert Townsend, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Robert Townsend speak about?
Robert Townsend is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Comedy, Entertainers, Television & Film, Acting, Diversity & Inclusion, Black Heritage, Entrepreneurship, Business, Celebrity, Social Activism, Anti-Racism, Leadership and Culture. -
Who is the agent for Robert Townsend?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Robert Townsend for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Robert Townsend for your next private or corporate function. -
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Robert Townsend or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us. -
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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