Richard Pryor as Jo Jo Dancer / Alter Ego

Debbie Allen as Michelle

Art Evans as Arturo

Fay Hauser as Grace

Barbara Williams as Dawn

Carmen McRae as Grandmother

Paula Kelly as Satin Doll

Diahnne Abbott as Mother

Scoey Mitchell as Father

Billy Eckstine as Johnny Barnett

Tanya Boyd as Alicia

Wings Hauser as Cliff

E'Lon Cox as Little Jo Jo

Michael Ironside as Detective Lawrence

J.J. Barry as Sal

Mike Genovese as Gino

Marlene Warfield as Sonja

Virginia Capers as Emma Ray

Dennis Farina as Freddy

Frederick Coffin as Dr. Weissman

Richard Grossman as Dr. Carlyle

Ken Foree as Big Jake

Gloria Charles as Lady at Grandmother's House

Mary Bond Davis as Lady at Grandmother's House

Cheri Wells as Lady at Grandmother's House

Valerie McIntosh as Lady at Grandmother's House

Bebe Drake as Angry Prostitute (as Bebe Drake-Massey)

Charlie Dell as John #1

Edy Roberts as Madelyn

Michael Prince as Screening Room Producer

Rocco Urbisci as Screening Room Director

Rod Gist as Manager

Elizabeth Robinson as Secretary

Beau Starr as Vito

Ludie C. Washington as Backstage Manager

Kiblena Peace as Joy

Larry Murphy as Male Attendant

Dennis Hayden as Policeman #1

Sam Hennings as Policeman #2

Rashon Khan as Bodyguard

Charles Knapp as Fat Man

Tracy Morgan as Female Heckler

Gary Allen as Male Heckler

Jack Andreozzi as Gangster #1

Martin Azarow as Gangster #2

Dean Wein as Stage Hand

Sig Frohlich as Ziggy

Joanna Lipari as Nightclub Patron

Robin Torell as Michelle's Dance Partner

Erika Marr as Showgirl

Laura Sorrenson as Showgirl

Geraldine Mason as Showgirl

Michael Anthony Williams as Raymond

Tom Lawrence as Emergency Room Doctor (uncredited)

Suzanne Niles as Dressing Room Fan (uncredited)

Nico Stevens as Bartender (uncredited)