Credited as the pioneer of Black Hollywood, legendary filmmaker Robert Townsend sits down with talk show host Samantha Chatman on Mama, I Made It! The film and TV icon talks about his incredible career as a director and actor, his classic films like The Five Heartbeats and Hollywood Shuffle, and how he built his empire with little money but lots of HEART and FAITH.

Robert Townsend is pulling back the curtains, detailing his childhood and growing up on the West Side of Chicago, to overcoming doubt around his career path, especially from those closest to him. Working with icons like Keenan Ivory Wayans, Eddie Murphy, Halle Berry and more, Robert’s resume is truly unmatched - but it’s his hard work and dedication that has crafted his reputation.

This interview is a legend’s story of perseverance. If you’ve ever wondered how timeless classics like The Five Heartbeats and Hollywood Shuffle were made, sit back, relax and get ready for this master class!

0:33 Legendary director and filmmaker, Robert Townsend
2:08 Growing up on the west side of Chicago and getting started in show business
6:29 Robert speaks on his grandmother being a “hater”, not supporting his film dreams
8:40 Robert on teaching and inspiring upcoming filmmakers
10:42 Why a pop up film festival in Chicago?
13:13 The power of words
14:55 Directing The Five Heartbeats movie
19:16 Struggling to get the green light for The Five Heartbeats, the movie’s doc and auditions
20:34 Eddie Murphy’s RAW, could it happen in 2025?
22:13 Townsend’s Mt. Rushmore of comedians
23:50 Actors that have blown Robert away
25:00 The importance of mentorship and advice from Sidney Poitier
27:06 Finding a job in the arts in this climate
28:30 “Day shift vs. night shift”
32:19 The key to success
36:59 Value of collaboration
37:58 AI- good or bad?
39:01 Townsend’s spectrum of work, what his work means and his Mama, I Made It! moment

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Samantha Chatman is a 2x Emmy Award-Winning Journalist, News Anchor for ABC 7 Chicago and the talk show host for Mama, I Made It!

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