Comedian Paul Mooney Dies At 79

Comedian Paul Mooney has died at 79.

Mooney was well known for working as a writer for The Richard Pryor Show, The Roseanne Show and Saturday Night Live.

The comedian suffered from a heart attack and passed away in his home in Oakland, California on May 19.

Mooney was also known for playing characters, such as Sam Cooke in the series The Buddy Holly Story and Junebug in Spike Lee‘s comedy show Bamboozled. The actor also made appearances in Dave Chappelle‘s show, Chappelle’s Show. 

Cassandra Williams, Mooney’s publicist, said in a statement that the paramedics did their best to revive him, but failed. “He was staying with a family member who was a caregiver,” she explained.

His daughter, Spring Mooney, confirmed the comedian’s death via Twitter and told her fans she was extremely saddened by her loss.

“… know that I LOVE THIS MAN AND I AM BROKEN,” she wrote.

Several other celebrities mourned Mooney’s death on social media. Director and screenwriter Ava DuVernay shared a tweet about the comedian’s album RACE, and how important it was.

“He spoke freely and fearlessly about feelings and experiences others found difficult to express,” wrote DuVernay.