That weekly $25 comedy gig, being the opening act for Shirley’s (who drew large crowds at the comedy club) stand-up shows, increased Rosie’s popularity and led to her being scouted by the national TV show, Talent Search, which which won for seven weeks straight. Rosie was eliminated in the semi-finals, but had garnered enough hype around her name to land her first TV gig on the 80’s sitcom, Gimme A Break, starring Nell Carter. After her appearance on Gimme A Break, Star Search called her back to the show. So that’s why Rosie is forever grateful to Shirley Hemphill, because she was first celebrity to take a chance on her out of the kindness of her heart. And Shirley’s kindness led to a domino effect of success for Rosie O’Donnell.

Rosie O’Donnell’s Touching Tribute After Shirley’s Passing

After Shirley passed away, Rosie gave an emotional tribute to her on her talk show, “The Rosie O’Donnell Show,” that following Monday. As photos and a video clip of Shirley played behind her, Rosie told her audience and millions of TV viewers this:

Via NYPost: “You know, when I started my career, the first famous person I met was Shirley Hemphill,” Rosie said on her show, just before showing Shirley in a clip from “What’s Happening!” Rosie told the story of how Shirley persuaded the owner of a comedy club to give Rosie, then 16, a shot at performing on an open-mike night. “It was my first paid gig,” Rosie said, “and it was because of her. … I loved her very much and she was a great lady.”

Many comedians have come forward throughout the years, with their own recollections of Shirley’s generosity toward them, including Martin Lawrence. Rest on Shirley, beautiful job done.