Shirley Hemphill(1947-1999)

The Monday after Hemphill died, Rosie O'Donnell praised her on her show. She stated that Shirley was the first celebrity she met when she first began stand-up comedy and credits Shirley with helping her land her first paying job, by telling the managers to put Rosie on stage, at a club where Shirley was also performing. Rosie also did a small dedication to Shirley on her show.