HBO Documentary Films presents a weekly series this fall, debuting provocative new specials every Monday, now through December 9. Featuring recently unearthed photographs, rediscovered performance footage and the words of entertainers and historians, WHOOPI GOLDBERG PRESENTS MOMS MABLEY includes interviews with Eddie Murphy, Joan Rivers, Sidney Poitier, Kathy Griffin, Harry Belafonte, Bill Cosby, Quincy Jones, Arsenio Hall, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, who emphasize how Mabley paved the way for female comedians and performers everywhere in provocative stand-up routines that challenged racism, sexism and ageism. WHOOPI GOLDBERG PRESENTS MOMS MABLEY debuts as part of the HBO Documentary Films Fall Series on Monday, November 18. Watch a promo for the doc below!
Often referred to as "the funniest woman in the world," the iconic African-American standup comedienne Jackie "Moms" Mabley broke racial and sexual boundaries and continues to inspire comedians to this day. In her directorial film debut, a modern-day comedy favorite pays homage to this pioneering talent.
"Moms Mabley has been a huge inspiration to me and so many others, but not a lot of folks outside of the comedy world know about her legacy," says Goldberg. "There are a lot of us who wouldn't be working today without pioneers like her.
HBO gave me my first break on TV, so it's only fitting that Moms has a home there now."
Goldberg also executive produces the documentary, along with Tom Leonardis and legendary producer and director George Schlatter, creator of "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In."
WHOOPI GOLDBERG PRESENTS MOMS MABLEY debuts MONDAY, NOV. 18 (9:00 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO. Other
HBO playdates: Nov. 18 (4:45 a.m.), 21 (1:45 p.m.), 24 (5:45 p.m.), 26 (11:15 a.m.) and 30 (1:30 p.m.) HBO2 playdates: Nov. 20 (8:00 p.m.) and 28 (3:00 p.m.), and Dec. 24 (4:45 p.m.)
HBO Documentary Films presents a weekly series this fall, debuting provocative new specials every Monday through Dec. 9. Other November films include: "Tales From the Organ Trade" (Nov. 4); "Dial One For Vets" (Nov. 11); and "Toxic Hot Seat" (Nov. 25).
