David Sheffield

Distinguished Visiting Lecturer in Film

Veteran Hollywood screenwriter David Sheffield graduated from Southern Miss in 1972. While still in school he worked for WDAM-TV, then moved to the Gulf Coast to work in advertising and became the principal writer for Sheffield Ensemble Theatre. Sheffield's comedy writing career began on "Saturday Night Live" in the early 80's when he wrote primarily for actors Eddie Murphy and Joe Piscopo, including some of Murphy's most memorable sketches such as Buckwheat, Mister Robinson's Neighborhood, Gumby and James Brown's Celebrity Hot Tub. Beyond his "SNL" work, the 2008 MCJ Hall of Fame inductee is known for films such as "Coming to America," "Boomerang" and "The Nutty Professor." He teaches courses in screenwriting during mini-sessions.