Paul Mooney Net Worth - Pulptastic

What was Paul Mooney’s Net Worth?

Paul Mooney, an American comedian, writer, social critic, television, and film actor, had a net worth of $500 thousand at the time of his death.

Mooney was known for his work as a writer, producing material for renowned comedians such as Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx, and Dave Chappelle, crafting content for their various television shows, albums, and films. He also acted in several movies, including “The Buddy Holly Story,” “In the Army Now,” and “Bamboozled.”

Early Life of Paul Mooney

Paul Gladney was born on August 4, 1941 in Shreveport, Louisiana to LaVoya and George. The family moved to Oakland, California when he was seven. He was primarily raised by his grandmother Aimay. Mooney adopted his last name from Hollywood actor Paul Muni.

Paul Mooney’s Early Career in Circus and Comedy

Paul Mooney, the renowned comedian and writer, began his career in the circus as a ringmaster for the Gatti-Charles Circus. During this time, he discovered his passion for comedy and started writing jokes and comedic material.

Mooney’s experience in the circus served as a foundation for his future career in comedy, as he honed his skills as a performer and writer. His early beginnings in the circus gave him a unique perspective and sense of humor that would become a hallmark of his work in the entertainment industry.

Paul Mooney’s Career Highlights

Paul Mooney is known for his comedic writing, having written for various TV shows and comedians throughout his career. He wrote three episodes of “Sanford and Son” and wrote for “Good Times” in the 1970s. Mooney began his partnership with Richard Pryor, writing for his “Saturday Night Live” appearance and “The Richard Pryor Show.” He continued to write for Pryor in the 1980s, including co-writing the screenplay for “Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life is Calling.”

In the 1990s, Mooney became the head writer for the first season of “In Living Color.” He also wrote for “Chappelle’s Show” in 2003 and had his own short-lived series, “Judge Mooney,” in 2004.

Paul Mooney’s Acting Career

Mooney wrote for Richard Pryor and acted alongside him in the films “Which Way is Up?” and “Bustin’ Loose.” He portrayed Sam Cooke in “The Buddy Holly Story” and played the president of the NAACP in “Hollywood Shuffle.” He also appeared in “In the Army Now,” “High Freakquency,” and Spike Lee’s “Bamboozled.” Mooney’s further notable credits include “Chappelle’s Show” and his own show “Judge Mooney.” He later appeared as a Klansman in “Meet the Blacks.”

Mooney’s Stand-Up Comedy Releases

Paul Mooney released several stand-up comedy albums and DVDs throughout his career. In the 90s, he released “Race” and “Master Piece” on various formats. In the 2000s, he released “Analyzing White America,” “Know Your History: Jesus is Black; So Was Cleopatra,” and “It’s the End of the World” on DVD.

Media Appearances and Documentaries

Mooney hosted the BET special “25 Most @#%! Moments in Black History” in 2006, and caused controversy with a segment at the BET Comedy Awards in 2005 where he joked about Diana Ross’s DUI arrest and the death of Ross’s ex-husband Arne Næss Jr. He also appeared in various documentaries, including “F.T.A.” in 1972, “Bitter Jester” and “The N-Word” in the early 2000s, and “Good Hair” in 2009.

Mooney’s Memoir “Black is the New White” Explores Partnership with Pryor

In 2007, Paul Mooney released his memoir “Black is the New White.” The book covers Mooney’s longterm professional partnership with Richard Pryor, as well as his childhood and some of his more infamous career moments.

Family and Health

Mooney married Yvonne in 1973 and they had three children together: Spring, Shane, and Symeon. He also had twin sons named Daryl and Dwayne from a previous marriage. Sadly, Symeon was killed in 2001 after allegedly being shot by a friend.

In 2014, Mooney was diagnosed with prostate cancer but continued to tour and act despite his illness. However, he passed away in May of 2021 from a heart attack at the age of 79.