How Paul Mooney became a legend by snubbing white Hollywood Opinion: The incendiary stand-up comic will not only be remembered for his bold, poignant jokes, but for how he resisted the urge to sell out for crossover success Comedian Paul Mooney performs onstage at the 2005 BET Comedy Icon Awards at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on September 25, 2005 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images) What does success in show business look like? How is it measured? Is it determined by how many followers you have on social media? Is it determined by how much money you have, or how many endorsements you have, or the amount of times we see or hear you? Most people would equate fame with success, but to some, it’s all about being able to live your life comfortably without losing your soul.