Robert Townsend on David Ruffin and The Five Heartbeats

Robert Townsend is one of the great film directors of his era. I’ll never forget sitting in the theater and watching his first film Hollywood Shuffle. In this clip, he reveals that he wanted the late David Ruffin on The Five Heartbeats as an Advisor.
Hear the Full Conversation ➤ pod.link/1313077481/episode/c...
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#shorts #roberttownsend #thefiveheartbeats

[@DCP]

To hear the full conversation: pod.link/1313077481/episode/c845a1ef51d636de51b8fae2a0afe483

[@cilla4000]

Link don't work

[@simplethings474]

Not working

[@hessinc.hessinc.7433]

​@@simplethings474"

[@user-cv7nj7xt7h]

Sad

[@deborahmcneil788]

Have always had the utmost respect and adoration for Robert Townsend. Would like to see more of you. Anyway, thanks for all you’ve done. 😊

[@roeskilove5292]

One day Robert Townsend will get the credit and kudos that he so much deserves. He is also a pioneer in black film.-Godspeed!

[@LC517-sq6cl]

That's good. Let the black people celebrate his black pioneering.

[@carlosrob6494]

​@@LC517-sq6clClose your mouth suck

[@RoyalTea54]

I totally Agree❤❤

[@roeskilove5292]

@@LC517-sq6cl 😋-Yep, we are licking our chops knowing that this new awakening is different than the last one. Don’t think that I don’t know you and hear you. Your problem is that you now know that we know what you didn’t want us to know. ✊🏿Black Power!

[@sybilgcoleman6545]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@onewitdaforce3418]

Robert Townsend is a legend

[@clariseharrington8252]

Facts

[@originalkingalpha5116]

Yeah a legendary liar! Everyone knows that Michael Jackson paid for David Ruffin's funeral and burial expenses. This clown is capping big time!🤡😂

[@robertson-winningallthetim7241]

He love the booty

[@sharita7270]

Yes he is!!!

[@helloxonsfan]

100% agree...!!! 👍🏽

[@qbk29]

"The five heartbeats" One of my favorite all time movies. Robert did himself proud on that masterpiece.

[@preciousone9377]

Yes!

[@sweetazzpiew8490]

Indeed!!

[@elenaarman-tang7811]

Love that movie 🥰 I've seen it many times.

[@davidclayton6611]

Isn’t the movie about the Dells? David Ruffin wasn’t in the Dells I don’t think

[@Rondondemarco]

​@@davidclayton6611 He was a prototype for the guys who got strung out and fell from grace which happened to a member of almost every popular soul and duwop band from that era. David ruffin was like the archetype for each one literally that the story repeated itself on.

[@eaddysindustries2387]

You are my hero Mr. Townsend, never sold out and always had a positive image on the screen.

[@christinahardy5938]

Why are black men so self-destructive and they don't take care of their families they'll leave you in a heartbeat I want to know why why why would I kill a black women within a blink of the eye and we support you I love you will kill somebody over you but you'll kill us what's in a blink of I and beat us down we are known as hoes ambitious a rap songs b******play rap songs yhr why is a black man not standing up Florida black woman you came from black women why yo😊 why is it that black man why are black men call black men why black men black queens b******😢 the ones that stand up for black men or black women but y'all disrespect us will be in disrespected too much by black men and we're standing up and fighting I want our black man to do better was there a black queens Summer's not right if somebody's wordings is coming out wrong some of the wordings is coming out wrong I love my black man but it seems to me that y'all don't value US it's got to change now we got our black women look like a bunch of strippers and navy men what these tattoos our family has changed I want to see my black man now I'm tired of you looking at these tight pants man come on black man where is my back King King King King King King King King I want my king black king black man 😢

[@christinahardy5938]

I'm sorry some of these words is not right but I'm upset,, where's my black man where is the king at I want the king the black man king where is he at what is going on where is my black king😢

[@christinahardy5938]

I

[@christinahardy5938]

Some of the words that I spoke in the first big paragraph then come out right in the first paragraph it did not come out y'all know what I mean don't know what I mean hey I got to go to work

[@sha1841]

@@christinahardy5938 Click the 3dots & edit the comment to your liking or delete them

[@Pistons2024]

Underrated legend Robert Townsend

[@kimberlyrobinson1978]

I LOVE him 😍

[@w.a.franklin4739]

Very underrated.

[@bosse1092]

Absolutely!! He was and is still the man but not spoken of much these days

[@salsasoul4112]

Completely underrated. We have Mr. Townsend to thank for The Wayans Brothers ❤

[@queenmommie100]

He wouldn't play there dirty games so happy that he didn't.

[@shadymccoy7]

Robert Townsend has always been great to me. He doesn't get the kudos he deserves. 💜💜

[@datgurlky1]

Because he doesn't make smut.

[@MartyanisCampbell]

Robert Townsend from the Westside of Chicago yes he is a great ok

[@originalkingalpha5116]

Yeah whatever. Obviously he's not a standup guy if he's lying about paying for Ruffin's funeral. Everyone knows that Michael Jackson paid for David Ruffin's funeral and burial expenses. Get this clown outta here!🤡😂

[@debiw149]

Hollywood Shuffle is a classic.

[@pearl0818]

Yes it is!

[@IMEANDATSHIT]

Hell yeaa shit funny as hell

[@Metal_Face_Doom]

Gimme a Winky Dinky Dog

[@timothyypearson]

Indeed it is

[@subliminalcriminal2782]

"Yall know where I can find Jheri Curl?"... 😆 🤣 😂 Classic!

[@AA-sh8pk]

The 5 heart beats is an all time must watch classic. 5 STARS!!!!

[@jonesfredrick94]

10

[@shamicehargrove7803]

Damn. Poor David. Sometimes tomorrow really is too late.

[@dawnpratt846]

Yes , it's said never put off for tomorrow what could do today !

[@dawb86]

"There is no tomorrow. There is NO TOMORROW!!!" #ripcarlweathers

[@Thetruthbetold1020]

Exactly!

[@tarcycoley7764]

No tomorrow 😢

[@wudaddy]

He was a tortured soul self-destructiing. Like David's son said: he wanted love, but he got fame.

[@DavidMartin-yr9ym]

Robert Townsend is a real one

[@user-ly3rw1yv2w]

And, Big props to Keenan Ivory Wayans for the suggestion to help Mr. Ruffin

[@originalkingalpha5116]

A real liar. Michael Jackson paid for David Ruffin's funeral and burial expenses. He also paid for Jackie Wilson's funeral as well. Hey, Tito! Come look at this!😂

[@originalkingalpha5116]

Michael Jackson did that for David Ruffin's family. Look it up!

[@insomthegreat]

​@@originalkingalpha5116 He said he helped pay for the funeral.

[@originalkingalpha5116]

@@insomthegreat " Michael Jackson volunteered to pay for David Ruffin's funeral expenses, but did not attend the service. Jackson, Rod Stewart, Daryl Hall and Oates, Diana Ross, The Spinners, Martha Reeves and The Vandellas, sent floral arrangements. Ruffin is buried in section three at Woodlawn Cemetery." Sincerely yours, Wikipedia and Google/ Document.🙂

[@cortlandsimmons6241]

As kids, my twin bro and i took a picture with Robert during the 80s at the Bill Pickett Rodeo. He picked us up in his arms. Iam now 41 and I will never forget that. A down to earth man.

[@TheOnlyLadyBella]

❤

[@cortlandsimmons6241]

@@TheOnlyLadyBella ❤️

[@prim.an.propher1505]

Thank you for supporting my family ❤ Bill Pickett is my ancestor

[@ElizabethVAllen]

I just introduced the Five heartbeats to my 16 and 18 year old nephew's 3 weeks ago. Now this pops up. Thank you algorithms 😅 I love Townsend... clean Hollywood reputation .... no scandals. 🎉🎉🎉❤🎉🎉🎉

[@LionsDen1223]

WOW! My 17 year old just watched it, too. He loved it, which surprised me because he hates what he calls My kinda music! Now he knows every song 🎵 and walks through the house singing them! 😂😂😂

[@vicrollerson]

RIP Mr. David Ruffin

[@lafredabowe1637]

Sad he's been gone so long, but he can't hear you say RIP. Therefore, it's time to stop with this nonsense.

[@vicrollerson]

​It's wasn't about you in the first place so why are you in your feelings? You may want to get a life and stop sweating minor stuff 😂😂😂​@@lafredabowe1637

[@sandra-jones]

​@@lafredabowe1637RIP Mr. RUFFIN.

[@sandra-jones]

​@@lafredabowe1637RIP Mr Ruffin.

[@MichelleLuvn25]

@@lafredabowe1637go to hell

[@j.t.robins5896]

THIS MAN DESERVES HIS FLOWERS!!!!!!!

[@vg4life]

He really does

[@ramon317]

Yes indeed!

[@user-eu8gu7cn2g]

Period

[@Queendeewitdalocs]

Right now 🥺

[@MizKimmy]

💐💐💐

[@bonitahobbs2374]

THANK YOU FOR HELPING WITH DAVID RUFFINS FUNERAL❗❗❗I here you are from the Westside of CHICAGO. Have lived there too. Thank you for your positive boldness. 🙏🏾

[@skepchica]

...but... Michael Jackson paid for David's funeral.

[@lynnrollins9734]

Robert Townsend you've always been AWESOME ❤

[@allainat666]

We need more Townsend Entertainment

[@Julanta]

This

[@w.a.franklin4739]

Love this dude-- pure class.

[@Soul_Education]

I love Robert Townsend! He looks amazing! I hope to see more of his amazing work❤

[@phyuku650]

Robert Townsend dosent get enough credit the man is a legend

[@crystalgrose]

Have always loved Robert Townsend ♥️

[@Yuckio]

Cap

[@lyric_S.15]

@@Yuckio l.m.a.o

[@ydkwithlele1867]

He went to school with some of my family members. Austin High School in The Chi.

[@sheraydunbar729]

Facts ❤

[@jddII]

Yes!

[@JamesJordan-mz3nn]

Best director in the game, have y'all seen five heartbeats? Classic! Thanks Robert We love you man🏆💯💯💯

[@samjohn34sj]

I'll watch it any time, anywhere! #Classic

[@James-sq8jx]

Keenan was co-director

[@JamesJordan-mz3nn]

@@James-sq8jx appreciate that

[@kimberlyweldon340]

My Five Heartbeat vhs destrkyed fr I m being seen to many times.😢😢😢😊

[@Oliverswife929]

Yes, one of my favorite movies!

[@jeromejenkins7886]

This is how we should start treating each other ❤❤❤❤

[@annalittle577]

Robert Townsend... an auteur! Truly under-rated and has never been recognized for his astonishing work. 💐💐🐐

[@Lamont-fy2xj]

We recognize him that's all he needs, that's all we need , we don't need other races to recognize , that's were the problem is , stop looking for confirmation from others cause all they gonna do is tear down what we make that's great, real talk

[@jazzywazzy4761]

Robert Townsend will always be my man in my head. He was my 1st superhero (Meteor Man), My 1st crush (as Duck in the 5 Heartbeats), and the awesome family man in ParentHood

[@antoniomitchell1883]

This ain’t no movie, this is real life baby!

[@jazzywazzy4761]

@@antoniomitchell1883 Lmao what?

[@TexasBorn1965]

@jazzywazzy4761 I decided Robert was mine years ago😂😂

[@jazzywazzy4761]

@@TexasBorn1965 Lmao We got some good taste don't we!

[@TexasBorn1965]

@@jazzywazzy4761 Sho right!

[@wjohnjr]

Yesss, please give RT his flowers now..he is an artistic trailblazer for our generation..right on Mr Toure👊🏾

[@carolynbrooks8770]

I’ve always liked and admired Robert Townsend. A truly unsung hero❤

[@flashlight5695]

Robert Townsend. is my hero !!!!

[@anthonymeans7439]

Robert Townsend is a class act!

[@preciousone9377]

What kind gesture, I’ve always like Robert Townsend’s work. He deserves a lot of respect and remained a man of integrity in a cesspool like Hollyweird. RESPECT!

[@claudinastewart9203]

thank you brother 🙏 you are appreciated 🙏

[@elisharamsey7321]

Thank you, Robert Townsend. I’ve never forget the impression that you have left on me and the rest of the world and my family. Thank you.

[@mauriotremainewillingham229]

David Ruffin was The MAN! Robert Townsend is underrated for his talents, skill, and drive.

[@user-eu8gu7cn2g]

#icon .......give this man some flowers 🎉#legend

[@laurajones1211]

Robert Townsend is an amazing movie producer!! Passion is real!! He is so inspirational!! Love David Ruffin !!RIP❤

[@sharonhilliard8825]

You are a special person keep sharing your love for the lost That’s just another gift adding to the so many more you have❤

[@user-rp8xm3lt4k]

Very creative dude always helping his own people

[@sweetnecter02]

Hayyyy Robert Towsend. We Love Youuu ❤❤❤🎉✊🏾✊🏾💪🏾💯😊

[@luke-man181]

Robert Townsend God Bless You

[@GOLDENEMPRESS8]

Robert Townsend is truly a beautiful soul. I got a chance to meet him at Columbia College downtown Chicago, Illinois . It was a high school memory. I'll never forget.

[@TC-Jack]

Mr. Townsend you’re the hero for doing that for Mr. Ruffin ! Bless you💜

[@nscantre3482]

Rest Up David Ruffin ⚘️🕊🕊🕊

[@Shaqad56]

That’s how we are supposed to treat each other! Thanks for being an exemplar Mr. Robert Townsend!👍🏾✊🏾🙏🏾

[@reshimasellassie3311]

A hero praising his hero! Thank you Mr. Townsend for inspiring us with such integrity and humility. 💐 🌸 🌺 🌻 🌼 🌹 R.I.P. Mr. Ruffin, my mother’s favorite singer!

[@lindathornton6607]

I love Robert Townsend. I loved Partners in crime. He is still fine. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@mrc597]

The First one was the funniest!

[@gidgetthompson6687]

Robert Townsend you are one of my HEROES 😊

[@user-dy1mf7qv9l]

He has helped so many!!! 💥💥💥

[@bryceharper8968]

From Michigan excellent cool 😎 thanks for Mr.Robert Townsend for helping our Michigan legend

[@dukeblue3793]

It’s always good to see and hear from Mr. Robert Townsend. He’s such a pioneering legend for the BLACK community

[@arabionjames9290]

Bob you are one of the all time greats.

[@Sassyone213]

Mr. Townsend ❤ you've been our hero for many years...we Thank you for doing this from your heart

[@mygarfield11]

Robert Townsend deserves his Flowers Now!!! A Pioneer!!!🙏🏽👑💪🏽

[@derrickbrennan1478]

Thanks for that brother 🙏. Rick Brennan from CHANGE N Philly love always peace. 333.Rick

[@clemetenemoore259]

You were being merciful, loving and kind. I give you my respect because you wanted to do good and help your fellow man.

[@Mylesmoraless]

Well...he had 3 months, the movie came out March of 91' David passed June of 91' sooooo!!!

[@skepchica]

​@thaddboo David may have been in the UK. If I'm not mistaken, right after they got back from a tour was when David passed. Something about having a money belt with their money from that tour that disappeared. Smh

[@sweett1471]

This man is truly a legend.

[@tayteflon9691]

North Philly here!!..David Ruffin was a legend!!..Salute Meteor Man!!!🫡

[@KAM-rl6tz]

Robert Townsend looks great!

[@emj1794]

Right. Probably 65 and looks 40

[@Watt718]

Robert Townsend definitely needs to be spoken about more!

[@DaLumpy1]

Robert Townsend: LEGEND!!!

[@JeromeLaserface]

I have a new respect for this man! Wow!

[@rahmansundiata7475]

Salute 🫡 2 Robert Townsend

[@PrettyP.69]

Robert is so intelligent ❤

[@reefb4364]

Always heard great things about Robert Townsend 👑👑👑👑

[@andrewhitesri.5295]

Robert Townsend you are a hero!!! Your talent speaks for itself. THANK YOU SIR!!!

[@mcdonoghrahloh459]

The great Robert Townsend 👍🏿

[@OneTrineMendUs]

Honor and Homage to Temptations King David Ruffin🌿👑⚘ I really apreciate you Mr. Townsend, both your making of 5 Heartbeats and your contribution to Mr. Ruffin's funerary services. When speaking of your meeting Mr. Ruffin and what you witnessed I really thank both Keenan and yourself for the willingness to aid our Brother in need of care and compassion. Nice to hear Mr. Ruffin was your hero. Mr. Ruffin was amazing in his own right. 🌿RIP David Ruffin⚘

[@missb2182]

Michael Jackson paid for his funeral but this was a nice story, nonetheless.

[@ernestmorrow8143]

Always have had nothing but love and respect for this brother...... Smart assa tack..... Love your work sir..... 👊🏾

[@Z-xm2bz]

The Five Heartbeats will FOREVER be a classic!!! Thank You for blessing us with this Masterpiece 🙏🏾🫶🏾🤗

[@Msanonymousladyy]

Aww Robert looks great! That’s so kind of him wanting to help David and it’s sad how he died when the movie came out.😢

[@andrefields230]

My hero, luv you, stay blessed.

[@patricewashington9939]

Robert Townsend, my hero! ❤

[@brendabyrd-grimes8228]

RT is such an awesome guy. He needs more recognition.

[@GoddessMoor]

I still remember The Robert Townsend Show ❤

[@user-kq2ii8xx2j]

Michael Jackson also paid true brothers for showing love

[@skepchica]

Michael paid.

[@missb2182]

Michael Jackson paid for the funeral. I recall the funeral released the information. Robert probably donated to the family.

[@Luke-kg7vu]

So I guess Robert chipped in

[@coletted.felton3364]

AWESOME Story Mr. Townsend!🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@hassanabdur-rahman1559]

I love brother Robert Townsend. The brother is a great and brilliant screen writer and director. We need to acknowledge and honor this brother while he is here. May God continue to bless you brother Robert.

[@cherylhoward324]

God bless you for looking out for another brother ❤

[@momsownbiz9610]

Glad you are still around ❤

[@sportschatwithnat]

You have instilled this same beautiful Spirit in your daughter. What a beautiful soul. You are a BLESSING to us Mr. Townsend

[@doriscooper]

Respect and love for Mr Robert Townsend.

[@user-oh1xk3lk9e]

My favorite movie… We miss you Mr Townsend

[@Rotti1313]

He looks AMAZING!!!!! I always loved this guy!!!!

[@MisssKayy]

Chicago legend! Robert Townsend.❤

[@daisyjohnson4007]

❤ Awesome Heart's Forever Thanks for the love 💕

[@DorseyJackson]

Met this man in person. One of my heroes. Chased him down after an appearance he had just to get his autograph 😂. His bouncers probably thought I was gonna try to rob him.

[@darrick-zo5ny]

Townsend truly a masterpiece

[@annettelyles975]

Keep doing what you do Mr. Townsend! Gods bless! You are phenomenal!!!🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾👍🏾👍🏾👏🏽👏🏽🎊

[@tkso.philly-7868]

Robert Townsend is a TRUE Brother, people. A lot of people truly don't know how deep he is. And many more don't know that he had a cameo in Cooley High. Kudos to you My Brother. You're a Class Act-PBUY.

[@Meee22222]

I saw Robert at a hotel I stayed at in NY when I was younger. Very friendly guy.

[@desmondallen7585]

Mississippi legend David Ruffin.

[@Kekebusinessmogul]

Give Robert Townsend his flowers. 🌺🌹🌺🌹🌺

[@julesking54]

Robert Townsend is the definition of a pioneer

[@planetsmooth1386]

Give us another meteor man you are the best Robert

[@pinklady4772]

Yes,omg! I would love that.😊❤

[@NWOrba123]

Meteor man? Nah, I'm good on that one!

[@thetrib-1eofjudah758]

Pure Legend 🔥🎯🦁!

[@dee6524]

ONE OF MY TOP ACTORS.. STAY SAFE AND BLESSED BEAUTIFUL FAMILY 🙏🌹🤗💞🫂.. SO MUCH DIGNITY AND CLASS.. A WHOLE GENTLEMAN 💐💜

[@sendawulakajubi2991]

If you’re an 80s Baby, 90s kid, this man was a big part of your upbringing. I haven’t heard from Robert in a long time. Real Icon

[@jeanwilliams697]

5 heartbeats is my favorite ❤️

[@p-jaywade1333]

That's dope. He didn't degrade him or talk trash he just intended to get him some help.

[@bendem233]

Thank you, Mr. Townsend