Questlove Supreme Podcast | Robert Townsend

Watch the Questlove Supreme Podcast - bit.ly/QuestloveSupremeLive
For 2024 Black History Month, QLS has some special programming. "This is the greatest episode ever," Questlove says during this two-part discussion with Hollywood revolutionary Robert Townsend. This two-hour conversation includes Robert's Chicago upbringing, his gift for impersonations, and his pursuit of becoming a working actor in New York. Robert touches on his ascent from minor roles in Cooley High and The Warriors to nearly becoming an SNL cast member. A focal point is Robert detailing how Townsend financed Hollywood Shuffle with a credit card and his word. In the second hour, Robert speaks about the madness that was his love letter to music, The Five Heartbeats. He touches on Meteor Man, directing Eddie Murphy Raw, and coaching a young Beyoncé in Carmen: A Hip Hop Opera. This conversation with a true visionary is funny, impactful, and filled with love and wisdom.
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0:00 - Roll call and a Robert Townsend introduction
6:15 - Robert Townsend’s early days, including being an extra in Mahogany, and Chicago as a comedy epicenter
13:00 - Robert Townsend was gifted at an early age at doing an array of impersonations
20:30 - How Robert Townsend started his career. He studied acting in college with John Malkovich and Laurie Metcalf, under a professor who tried to crush Robert’s dream, and ultimately led him to moving to New York in 1976
25:10 - Studying with Marlon Brando’s teacher, Stella Adler, by design and strategy, and how Robert Townsend made a living doing dog food commercials
33:00 - Working on Soldier’s Story, and Phonte recalls his childhood experience appearing in The Color Purple
35:20 - Meeting Keenen Ivory Wayans
37:10 - Appearing in Mahogany, The Wiz and The Warriors - while Robert does impersonations of Jimmy Stewart, James Earl Jones, and more in between
43:00 - A breakthrough moment alongside Cyress while shooting The Warriors
46:30 - Robert Townsend auditioned for SNL and lost out to a very important friend and collaborator…
49:30 - Robert Townsend’s inspiration for Hollywood Shuffle comes from a very real place
52:30 - Hollywood Shuffle was covertly made in 12 days, using cheap food, leftover film, and involving porn editors
1:01:00 - Robert Townsend could not pay Hollywood Shuffle actors up front, but he promised that they would get paid before he did
1:03:20 - Remembering John Witherspoon in Hollywood Shuffle
1:05:00 - Patrice Rushen was involved in the music composition of Hollywood Shuffle
1:08:00 - Life and success after Hollywood Shuffle, and moving into The Five Heartbeats, a film that was originally supposed to have The Temptations as technical advisors
1:11:50s - Robert Townsend used The Dells as advisors instead. However, they had a rocky start
1:15:30 - Some additional questions about The Five Heartbeats
1:21:00 - Some people wish to remake B.A.P.S., but Robert Townsend wants it to be right
1:21:30 - Robert Townsend created a Black superhero at an important moment with Meteor Man, which involved Luther Vandross
1:25:50 - Robert Townsend has a special tie to Questlove, Common, and Bilal - and it involves Beyoncé and Carmen: A Hip Hop Opera
1:31:00 - Robert Townsend remembers a nervous Beyonce auditioning, especially involving a kiss with Mehki Phifer
1:35:50 - Robert Townsend speaks about Ving Rates and making a film based on Sonny Liston
1:37:20 - The process of directing Eddie Murphy Raw’s opening segment involving Samuel L. Jackson, Deon Richmond, and Tatyana Ali, and an anecdote about B.A.P.S.
1:43:10 - Robert Townsend on how to direct actors, and a film that he is very proud of that you may not have seen
1:48:30 - Robert Townsend remembers a powerful collaboration with Natalie Cole honoring her father
1:50:50 - Eddie Murphy Raw was originally supposed to be rated X
1:53:20 - Did a clean version of Eddie Murphy Raw ever exist? Or a director's cut?
1:54:50 - Robert Townsend on working on The Bear
1:56:10 - Robert Townsend is a tenured professor at the University of Southern California. How does he approach that?
1:57:40 - Robert speaks about his talented daughter, Skye Townsend
2:01:00 - A discussion about creativity and sense of obligation, with some powerful reflections from Questlove and Phonte
2:08:00 - Closing reflections on the impact of Robert Townsend and the episode we all needed
#TheRoots #QuestloveSupreme #RobertTownsend

[@paytonbf1]

Robert Townsend is the real deal. And he deserves every accolade that's available, including a Hollywood Star!

[@prof3ssor178]

FACTS 💯

[@Blocksourcemusic]

Amen!

[@Supremmo]

Hopefully someone nominates him and pays for the Star.

[@user-wg1gj9rz2o]

Say it again, too read

[@johje02]

Robert Townsend is a severely underrated legend!

[@user-wg1gj9rz2o]

A letter, start with dear, so what is u saying, u read between the lines

[@gutkministries]

It's about time somebody gave Robert Townsend his flowers ... all his work is official. Smart/enterprising brother!!

[@44bonkers]

This is Great. Why doesn't this break the Internet?

[@ted.25blu57]

He ain't break his morals

[@carnitasheppard4591]

FACTS!! This is pure GOLD

[@ND-9]

Break the internet?! Where’s the messiness? Where’s the part about him dragging another brother/sister? Cmon! You (black) folks don’t show up in droves unless it’s messy. Before you go for my head, I agree with you. This should break the internet. What a classy, talented brother. His works have stood the test of time. Sorry for being long winded 👊🏿

[@dominiquejones3805]

It's no drama

[@44bonkers]

It's all good. I get the point. ​@@ND-9

[@user-qh4ue6gh5w]

Robert Townsend looks amazing! He looks like his spirit is good.

[@blvkmirror8388]

Wow Robert Townsend doesn't do too many interviews this era...Really delightful 🍿👍🏾

[@culcre]

Eddie Griffin says Meteor Man started cause Robert seen him telling the Super My Man joke if Super Man was Black he’d only fly 3 feet off the ground etc. Eddie says Robert approached him after he came off stage and told him don’t do that joke anymore, that’s a movie you got right there. And it turned into Meteor Man.

[@user-mk7qz6es2b]

The meteor man was one of my favourite movies as kid. Can't believe we had to wait until black panther to see another black super hero

[@bigbadtrapalot.]

blankman

[@dominiquejones3805]

Blade

[@user-mk7qz6es2b]

@@dominiquejones3805 I meant more kid friendly ones lol

[@PeteMcCorvey]

This major black history right here. This man has played a big part of creating entertainment for my whole life. From 5 Heartbeats to Carmen a Hip Hopera. Much love to this King!

[@welfaredad]

Robert is my hero. And contrary to what my girlfriend thinks, I believe Meteor Man is an awesome movie.

[@ChessMandingo]

This was an excellent interview. He's definitely one of our greats

[@dawb86]

Thank y'all so much for honoring and giving our legends like Robert his flowers. Certain artists such as himself don't always get the props on the level of a Spike Lee or John Singleton (RIP) but his contributions are SO monumental to the culture. You think of modern films like 'American Fiction' now which are spiritual descendants of a film like 'Hollywood Shuffle' or 'Dreamgirls' to 'Five Heartbeats' and it becomes so clear that he has left an undeniable impact on the culture that lead the way for so many of the new greats. Thank you, Mr. Townsend.....

[@QLSProducer]

Thank you so for that

[@BMoreShock_63]

Robert Townsend is the greatest and always showed us in a positive light. Meteor Man was shot in Baltimore Whitlock neighborhood, but based in Washington, DC.

[@vahioslim3003]

Now this is RESPECT!!! "I AIN'T be got no weapon"😂😂😂😂

[@philliedoss305]

😂😂😂

[@iveywebb]

🗣 BLACK ACTING SCHOOL 🎵🎶

[@reece6583]

"Getcho hand off my leg...Getcho leg off my hand"

[@shebacastro4729]

I watched Hollywood Shuffle with my 15 year old son. He wanted to keep backing up the jheri curl scene. I still love 5 heart beats 😊

[@sthom146]

We used to run the Jheri curl scene so much when I was in high school. I probably haven't see the movie since then. I need to go watch it.

[@PursuitOfJusticeChronicles]

Robert Townsend is a Chicago legend!!! Much love

[@kendrickkeener6291]

Coming to America is the best movie ever made and Hollywood Shuffle is the second!!!!! Hollywood Shuffle changed my life, thank you Mr. Townsend.

[@LilAlpo1]

"Do the jheri curl" 😂😂

[@victornewman06]

I was 9 and I auditioned for A Soldier’s Story during the baseball scene at Lamar Porter Field in Little Rock.

[@mmou3878]

He should have made a sitcom out of the Bold, the Black, the Beautiful

[@iveywebb]

🗣 WORD

[@barijohnson9699]

I talk about this show all the time it was so hilarious 😂

[@pacotoyful]

YESSS!!!

[@JalalLatif]

"CHANDELIER! CHANDELIER! Lake Arrington is a tiger for 20 seconds!

[@tossmc]

I love this guy, I'm happy and proud of him and all that he has done. Thank you Sir.

[@vantrelllewis943]

Robert Townsend is my idol for real

[@rbfx9741]

He didn't say a negative word about anyone in 2hrs.

[@missayawk]

And gave mucho props to many

[@buckboyd2564]

I can feel the spiritual influence in Robert's life that lead him.

[@meandmyJs78]

If Laiya don’t put them thangs up!!! I’m trying to listen to Sir Robert Townsend!!! 😂😂. Beautiful episode!!! 🫡🙌🏼🙌🏼🔥🔥

[@bejaismith8791]

Yeah cuz dem tiddays was tittin ijs

[@meandmyJs78]

@@bejaismith8791MAYNE! You ain’t never lie😂

[@kyl427]

Woooweee! 🤣

[@pacotoyful]

Maybe you should get your mind out of the gutta!

[@gwencollins965]

Please stop interrupting Robert and let him finish his interview. I am watching to hear Robert's story.

[@evangelasmith8849]

Mr. Townsend looks great! He has been the man since been. I love his body of work and talents. Much respect ❤

[@Wondertroy1TV]

Salute to the incomparable Robert Townsend!! Thanks for the inspiration!!!!!

[@cassandramobley8466]

I could listen to him all day.

[@amberb8876]

My daughter and I have been enjoying watching Robert Townsend's The Wonder Years on Netflix. All of the actors were cast so perfectly.

[@MzDanielleJoy]

I'm excited to watch this, Robert Townsend is a treasure that we don't deserve ❤

[@carnitasheppard4591]

ROBERT. muth@f^&in' TOWNSEND! I share Quest's love and respect for this brother. I echo EVERY compliment. Robert Townsend may be THE most underrated filmmaker ever. SUPREME talent and vision. Forever indebted to bro for what he injected into our culture just by following his heart & desire. Peace, god🙌🏾

[@malyroberts4054]

Seed planted! Thank you Mr Townsend for doing THIS podcast!

[@ts_cohn]

I still got the Meteor Man comic books, but I never dyed my hair blonde.

[@Crowncity]

Very important guy in black culture

[@2KGrind09]

JD's revenge shoutout 💯... I just watched B.A.P.S the other day 😊

[@nikodias5158]

Thank you for sharing this interview moment. Robert Townsend is a genuine, thoughtful, and creative legend. 😊👏🏾

[@YakThaWiseman72]

Hollywood Shuffle was quoted by us throughout Highschool.

[@alynettabeck7]

Outstanding interview! Robert Townsend is everything!❤❤❤❤

[@pacotoyful]

Thank you for highlighting Mr. Townsend!❤

[@kaithemagi]

Da Realest!!!! Rovert Townsend was one of the reasons why I wanted to make films. Him, Keenan Ivory Wayans and George Lucas 💯💯💯

[@alfronmatthews]

Robert Townsend is a American hidden gem

[@jamillawebb3567]

This man is a global treasure and an icon! I’m so glad you all featured him. What would Black American cinema be without his contributions. I don’t care about Emmy Awards or Oscars and they could never adequately validate his gifts! We love you always Uncle Rob!!!!!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@philliedoss305]

Facts

[@DrkWng17]

True student of the game, I hope he makes an epic biopic of his story. Amazing stories.

[@sheefree]

Talent+Charisma+Character+ Heart=Legend💐💐

[@wyntonharrell919]

Shoutout to the Legend Robert Townsend!!!!!

[@barijohnson9699]

I think that the whole era we just laughed differently some of the funniest stuff ever and to hear all of the different things they went thru it's truly remarkable

[@williamrice7961]

I walked in my aunts room. Saying “where’s my bitches” when I was like 8 years but that was 1992 😂 Hollywood shuffle is still the best comedy movie ever!

[@PeteMcCorvey]

And you lived to tell the tale? 😂😂😂

[@dthought5673]

Robert Townsend is a cultural Hero. 🤎

[@waggabutt4655]

I had no idea Robert hailed from my hometown! Man we have some creative giants from the CHI!

[@ted.25blu57]

Chicago is undefeated honestly.

[@michaelhill3710]

Yes, we were schoolmates, patrol boys, we had the same teachers, Mr. Reid, and Mr. Hosea at Hefferan Elementary school. Very fond memories!

[@k.kemetic7425]

Robert Townsend dropping gems and creating magic in this interview. Home Run Quest!!! 👏

[@Lavi_407]

Wow!!! This is pretty amazing🤩🤩🤩THE Robert Townsend😮‍💨👌🏽

[@techynerdygypsy1731]

Robert Townson is the 🐐 I've loved him since Hollywood Shuffle❤❤❤ Thank You 4 this😂😂😂

[@cwin721]

Robert looks so good❤!!!

[@philliedoss305]

This interview shows why always having an imagination is so important

[@BrotherEDEN]

I had no plans to sit through this whole interview, when I saw the length ... but this was a black history lesson !! Bravo to the OG's who made it happen on sheer determination and talent.

[@QLSProducer]

We love hearing/reading that. Thank you.

[@befromnova7144]

Outstanding episode. It's inspiring.

[@pdelonn]

I wish y’all would let the artist finish their stories, and stop interrupting them! Questlove this is mainly for u sir.

[@marisgoldenhour6212]

I'm glad someone else noticed. Each time he had a good story or anecdote, it was interrupted by Questlove or the gentleman on the other end. Always just as something insightful was about to be shared, and then the thought never competed.

[@JamesZackJohnston]

My man asks one question the whole interview and it’s “was there ever talk of a clean version of RAW”?? 😂😂😂😂

[@10aseeTalk]

I'm so happy yall did this interview. I've been wanting to hear from the Godfather. Thank you for everything you did for the culture Mr Townsend. Fan for life

[@iamdupreme]

Thank you, sir, for always presenting us in our true glory. Before Wesley did "Blade" and long before Chadwick's "Black Panther," never forget we had "Meteor Man." 🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾

[@brownmr11]

I really enjoyed every minute of this episode. Robert Townsend is a legend.

[@universalsuccess3776]

I wish Robert Townsend reached Tyler Perry level. He is a genius and master in cinematography. Godfather in the game

[@doupnetwork]

Great interview with one of the GOATs

[@rodneywiggins7080]

GREAT INTERVIEW!!

[@jayelee7112]

Hollywood Shuffle and The Five Heartbeats classics !!!

[@kincamell2]

Gratitude for sharing. Peace to the cast ,writers and directors of Cooley High, Hollywood Shuffle, Meteor Man, 5 Heart Beats and The Parent Hood . That Partners in Crime Show was/is stellar. Didnt know Fam was in Mahogany . That song My Hero Is a Gun is amazing. Didnt know Fam was in The Warriors. Ps one day before class my 8th grade english teacher (Kilty) took my hip hop poem and threw it away and said I dont know why people waste their time on this stuff. Im due to graduate next semester from Humboldt State and my poems contributed to my current 3.6 gpa. Pps Peace to The Black Repertory

[@ShaneyBright]

I never forgot Cookie Head Jenkins!❤

[@BROTHARON67]

This was a very excellent episode my favorite one thus far. Thank You

[@xcryptoone]

This was one of my favorites. Robert Townsend’s Stand-Up at Dangerfield’s (1986)

[@msteaguer1908]

I appreciate THE Robert Townsend, his talents shown. A note: I listen repeatedly to you singing with Howard Hewitt, your voice!!!

[@s4mp_founder]

Robert Townsend 🐐

[@TRARILLA]

Great interview Robert is a legend 💪🏾

[@illstrick5]

Super dope informative interview. Robert Townsend is a humble legend. Learned alot. Salute Respect

[@brinapeep]

Brilliance.....Period Black History....Black Excellence! No Oscar needed!

[@leonardpigg6441]

Townsend is the truth. I used to love the HBO specials back in the day.

[@nekiaseymore8527]

Loved this episode so much. Especially the excitement and reverence that you all shared about having him in the seat. Well done!

[@colstonlchinese]

Digging this interview. Robert Townsend's films are heartfelt and hilarious.

[@stanleypatrick6498]

Sometimes you come across something that you didn't know you needed. This show, man, this show.

[@barijohnson9699]

Thank you Mr Townsend for the many years of laughter 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹👑🔥🔥🔥😊

[@DandysB1]

Robert is beyond inspirational 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿 i shall write ✍🏿 for him one day

[@PastorFunK]

Meteor Man is my favorite movie‼️‼️‼️

[@wangtaiwangtai5756]

What a spirit!! Robert Townsend you are such a good human being thank you so much for your craft and dedication to building an environment where true art can shine and exist in its fullest way!! Thank you so much man and all your ancestors that paved the way for you to exist!!

[@TruSoulDj]

I have access to many of the QLS podcasts and listen to them religiously. My favorites are the ones with Donnie Simpson, Kim Fields, Chris Rock and The Jacksons. But the team has a way of stepping on some good stories by interrupting to ask new questions. And I’m like, “Hey, let them finish!” But now that whole train of thought is gone.

[@QLSProducer]

We are collectively working on it. Thanks for the candid feedback.

[@dawb86]

That moment when he said the English film director called him all wrong for the part and remarked that he wanted a 'nigga' for the role needs to go viral and shown to all the young drill/trap rappers with C-level microphone skills out here getting placed at the forefront of the mainstream rap scene.....

[@dopenesslight7243]

My GOD, he's really amazing!!!! I've always thought he was great and underrated. But goodness gracious this man is phenomenaley gifted

[@milesd002]

I know you guys were excited, but you've got to let the interviewees statements land sometimes before following up with a question or a statement. Give it space!

[@adrinahull8101]

This was a great interview I've always been a fan of Robert Townsend I think he's extremely talented and humble I used to work at the post office with his sister I really wished at some point I could have met him because I know he could have gotten my career started

[@savtelly3817]

Yes King!!!! Robert Townsend is aging like fine wine!!!

[@timothybrown3430]

Great! Great! Interview! From beginning to end.

[@dmajorx]

Brilliance is the word that comes to mind when I see the name Robert Townsend!!!!

[@gerryn2]

Watching this big man who I don't know, totally freaking out on THIS SHOW about Robert Townsend, struggling to speak etc, really sends the message how much respect he has for this man. I mean the man on the right at about ~1:17:00

[@CallowXayne]

Nice interview. And thanks for mentioning a couple of Robert's lesser known movies. They were definitely added to the watch list.

[@carnitasheppard4591]

That moment in the beginning of Hollywood Shuffle when Bobby is opening his car door in the driveway when the group of guys jog by and one of them asks Bobby if he would forget about him once he became famous...Bobby replies "Imma forget about you, Tommy but not your sister (hehe)!" Then "Not Just One In A Million" starts playing...smdh....TIMELESSSSSSSS, CLASSSSSIC

[@deborahterrell4679]

Loved this interview. Very refreshing and you don't hear from Robert Townsend much, but I watched so much of his stuff as a kid

[@reece6583]

Robert Townsend is a Living Legend. 🎶 Black acting school🎶

[@griffinjenn85]

Omg! I love Robert Townsend so much! ❤ I watched ALL of his movies as a kid that I still enjoy today! 🥰🥰🥰 However, I cannot believe yall did not mention ‘Jackie’s Back’ with Jenifer Lewis! Y’all know July 15th is Jackie Washington day! “I’m still huge in Kinloch,” 😂😂❤❤ I really enjoyed this interview, thank you Quest Supreme! ❤❤❤

[@JSB-Polymath]

This is really worthwhile. I remember Robert talking about the West Side all the time in interviews, where I used to hang sometimes coming up. Blessings to you all.

[@vicstevens82]

Underrated legend!

[@t-man5323]

the story about how Bilal's "Sometimes" came about is crazy.

[@QLSProducer]

Right!?

[@KeKe2u10]

Great interview with a great legend. Such a humble guy 👏🏾

[@sabrinaburnham4395]

I love this interview with the Amazing Robert Townsend!!! He is beyond brilliant!!!😂😂😂

[@Angel-tt5qe]

I love Robert Townsend so much so happy to see him ❤❤❤