Paul Mooney.Photo: Johnny Nunez/WireImage
Paul Mooney— an actor, comedian and television writer who began his career over 50 years ago — has died. He was 79.
Journalist Ronald Martin firstconfirmed Mooney’s death on TwitterWednesday morning, writing that the star’s cousin Rudy Ealy “just called me from Paul’s phone and said he passed away two hours ago after suffering a heart attack at his home in Oakland,” California.
Ina separate tweet, Martin said that Ealy “told me that Paul had been suffering with dementia for some time and had been living with him.”
“Rudy said Oakland paramedics valiantly tried to save him after suffering a heart attack this AM,” he added.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.
RELATED GALLERY:Celebrities Who’ve Died in 2021
Mooney’s publicist confirmed his death toInsider, while his rep Cassandra Williams toldThe Sunthat Mooney “was with family” when he died andThe Hollywood Reporterthat his death occurred at 5:30 a.m. local time.
A post on Mooney’s official Twitter account did not directly address his death, but read, “Thank you all from the bottom of all of our hearts …you’re all are the best!…… Mooney World .. The Godfather of Comedy.”
“ONE MOON MANY STARS! .. Toall in love with this great man.. many thanks,” the tweet concluded.
Reps for Mooney did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Paul Mooney inThe Buddy Holly Story(1978).Columbia Pictures
RELATED VIDEO: Tommy Ford, Star of ’90s ComedyMartin, Dies at 52
Mooney — who often tackled controversial topics in his standup sets — was known in part for his writing contributions on shows likeSanford and Son,Good Times,Saturday Night Live,The Richard Pryor Show,In Living ColorandChappelle’s Show.
He also acted on several series, includingChappelle’s Show,The Larry Sanders ShowandThe Richard Pryor Show, as well as in films likeThe Buddy Holly Story(1978), portrayingSam Cooke, andBamboozled(2000).
According toVulture,Chappelle’s Showstar and co-creatorDave Chappelleonce said of his fellow comedian, “You don’t f— with Paul Mooney. You don’t f— with his writing, his material, his sketches … and you certainlydon’t tell him what to do! Trust me, I’ve learned,” he added.
source: people.com
