Chicago native and legendary filmmaker Robert Townsend has been spreading his magic, entertaining audiences for 50 years as an actor, writer, director and producer.
This weekend, Robert is back home in Chicago hosting a Pop-Up Film Festival at multiple locations downtown. He's doing it to raise money for local charities, saying that he feels in challenging times like these, people need to band together to fight for human rights. All proceeds from this 2-day fundraiser will benefit the Chicago Westside Branch NAACP and The Answer Inc., Autism Awareness & Support Agency.
Robert grew up on Chicago's west side and attended Austin High School, where he became interested in acting as a teenager. During a reading in high school, he got the attention of Chicago's X-Bag Theatre, The Experimental Black Actors Guild. He got an laudition with them and went on to perform in local plays there and study improvisation at The Second City Comedy Workshop.
Many fans of the 1975 classic Chicago movie, Cooley High, may remember seeing him briefly in the film. The role wasn't credited so he didn't get to see his name on the big screen, but Robert says the film "changed his life" for what he perceived as its true-to-life portrayal of people like him.
Robert Townsend's Pop-Up Film Festival fundraiser begins at 11am today (Saturday). The two-day experience features film screenings, celebrity Q&A sessions, live music, comedy showcase and bid whist tournament all curated to honor the legacy and artistry of Robert Townsend.
Let this be your reminder to always celebrate your magic! xo