On this day March 20 1987 the satirical comedy Hollywood Shuffle premiered in theaters. Directed by and starring Robert Townsend the film also featured Keenen Ivory Wayans in a sharp and humorous take on racial stereotypes in the film industry.
Made on a shoestring budget of 100000 Hollywood Shuffle became a surprise hit grossing 5.2 million at the box office. The film followed an aspiring Black actor navigating Hollywood’s typecasting and racial barriers using a mix of comedy and social commentary. It remains a groundbreaking independent film that influenced future filmmakers tackling issues of representation in entertainment.
80s insight: Robert Townsend financed much of the film himself using his credit cards to cover production costs after being unable to secure funding.