Comedy Legend Paul Mooney Dies at 79

Paul Mooney, a stand-up comic and actor celebrated for his groundbreaking work with and for Richard Pryor, died Wednesday morning. He was 79.

Reporter Roland Martin was the first to break the sad news.

THR reports Mooney's rep, Cassandra Williams, confirmed he died after an early-morning heart attack at his Oakland, California, residence.

Mooney's family, grateful for the outpouring of love at the news of their loss, wrote on Twitter, "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! .. To all in love with this great man.. many thanks."

Born Paul Gladney in 1941 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Mooney moved to Hollywood, where he made a name for himself as a stand-up performer, and as a writer on such hit series as "Sanford and Son" (1972-1974).

He was a close friend and collaborator of the late comedy genius Richard Pryor, helping him write material for his electrifying hosting gig on "SNL" in 1975 — which included the controversial, racially charged "Word Association" sketch between Pryor and Chevy Chase — and for Pryor's highly regarded, unsuccessful series "The Richard Pryor Show" (1977), on which Mooney was head writer.

His work with the stand-up legend also included classic routines on Pryor's albums "... Is It Something I Said?" (1975) and "Live on the Sunset Strip" (1982).

He later wrote Pryor's film "Jo Jo Dancer Your Life Is Calling" (1986), was a writer on "In Living Color" (1990-1993), and reached a new generation of fans on "Chappelle's Show" (2004).

As an actor, Mooney played Sam Cooke in 1978's "The Buddy Holly Story" and appeared in the films "Which Way Is Up?" (1977), "Bustin' Loose" (1981), "Hollywood Shuffle" (1987), and Mike Epps' "Meet the Blacks" (2016). He was the star of his own series, "Judge Mooney," in 2004.

In 2007, Mooney assessed his career of radical comedy in the memoir "Black Is the New White.

He is survived by his four children.

Many big names took to social media to mourn the influential artist's passing:

Viola Davis tweeted: "Awww.... RIP comedy legend Paul Mooney! You were both funny and poignant. So happy to have witnessed your genius live. Rest well!!! Pour down some laughter here. We need it."

Bootsy Collins wrote: "Our Funky Comedian Brother Mr. Paul Mooney has changed Frequencies to continue the future of real comedy in another world! Thxs for the Gifts & Laughs u left us with. Prayers going out to his family & friends! Bootsy & Funkateers around the World..."

"You could never be muted we will miss you mr. paul mooney • #restinpeace," Maxwell tweeted.