Born: December 1, 1940 – Died: December 10, 2005
A trailblazer in the world of comedy and cinema, Richard Pryor's legacy as an African-American entertainer is unparalleled. Born in Peoria, Illinois, to a family entwined with complex narratives—his mother, Gertrude, a prostitute, and his father, LeRoy "Buck Carter" Pryor, a boxer—Richard's early life was anything but ordinary. Despite facing abandonment and experiencing a tumultuous childhood, he found solace in the magic of movies. With his razor-sharp wit and fearless commentary, Pryor carved a niche in the entertainment industry that continues to resonate today.
Early Life and Career
Pryor's childhood, spent in a brothel run by his grandmother, was a mix of harsh realities and the discovery of his love for film. His education, while not extensively documented, included a stint in a military school, after which he served in the US Army from 1958 to 1960. Pryor's foray into entertainment began with singing in clubs, which soon pivoted to comedy—a medium where his vivacity and incisive humor shined.
His first professional role came in 1963, with his appearance in the film "The Busy Body". The breakthrough, however, was his stirring performance as a drug-addicted piano player in "Lady Sings the Blues" (1972), which captured both critical and fan attention. It was the success of "Silver Streak" (1976), alongside Gene Wilder, that skyrocketed Pryor to fame. His outstanding contributions were recognized with an Emmy and several nominations, affirming his brilliance in roles that ranged from comedic to deeply dramatic.
Personal life for Pryor was as dynamic as his career, with multiple marriages and a family of seven children. His talents extended beyond the screen; he was a writer and a passionate advocate for animal welfare. Despite facing controversies, including his battle with drug addiction, Pryor remained a beloved figure.
Richard Pryor's influence on Hollywood was profound. He was not just a comedian but an innovator, whose style transformed the comedic landscape. His unique perspective on African-American life and society at large was not just humorous but a powerful commentary that paved the way for future generations of comedians. His candidness and relentless spirit made him an icon whose work continues to inspire and entertain.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Norm (TV Series) | Mr. Johnson |
| 1997 | Lost Highway | Arnie |
| 1996 | Malcolm & Eddie (TV Series) | Uncle Buck |
| 1996 | Mad Dog Time | Jimmy the Grave Digger |
| 1995 | Chicago Hope (TV Series) | Joe Springer |
| 1993 | Martin (TV Series) | Richard Pryor |
| 1991 | The Three Muscatels | Narrator | Wino | Bartender |
| 1991 | Another You | Eddie Dash |
| 1989 | *Harlem Nights* | Sugar Ray |
| 1989 | *See No Evil, Hear No Evil* | Wally |
| 1988 | *Moving* | Arlo Pear |
| 1987 | Critical Condition | Eddie | Kevin |
| 1986 | Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling | Jo Jo Dancer | Alter Ego |
| 1985 | *Brewster's Millions* | Montgomery Brewster |
| 1984 | Pryor's Place (TV Series) | Richard Pryor |
| 1984 | Billy Joel: Keeping the Faith (Music Video) | Man Reading Newspaper |
| 1983 | Superman III | Gus Gorman |
| 1982 | *The Toy* | Jack Brown |
| 1982 | Some Kind of Hero | Eddie Keller |
| 1981 | *Bustin' Loose* | Joe Braxton |
| 1980 | *Stir Crazy* | Harry Monroe |
| 1980 | In God We Trust (or Gimme That Prime Time Religion) | G.O.D. |
| 1980 | Wholly Moses! | Pharaoh |
| 1979 | The Muppet Movie | Balloon Vendor |
| 1978 | California Suite | Dr. Chauncey Gump |
| 1978 | The Wiz | The Wiz (Herman Smith) |
| 1978 | Blue Collar | Zeke |
| 1977 | Which Way Is Up? | Leroy Jones | Rufus Jones | Reverend Lenox Thomas |
| 1977 | Greased Lightning | Wendell Scott |
| 1976 | *Silver Streak* | Grover T. Muldoon |
| 1976 | Car Wash | Daddy Rich |
| 1976 | The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings | Charlie Snow, All-Star (RF) |
| 1975 | Adiós Amigo | Sam Spade |
| 1974 | Uptown Saturday Night | Sharp Eye Washington |
| 1973 | Hit! | Mike Willmer |
| 1973 | Some Call It Loving | Jeff |
| 1973 | The Mack | Slim |
| 1972 | Lady Sings the Blues | Piano Man |
| 1972 | Mod Squad (TV Series) | Cat Griffin |
| 1971 | You've Got to Walk It Like You Talk It or You'll Lose That Beat | Wino |
| 1971 | The Partridge Family (TV Series) | A.E. Simon |
| 1970 | The Phynx | Richard Pryor |
| 1970 | Carter's Army (TV Movie) | Pvt. Jonathan Crunk |
| 1969 | Uncle Tom's Fairy Tales (Short) | Unknown |
| 1969 | The Young Lawyers (TV Series) | Otis Tucker |
| 1968 | Wild in the Streets | Stanley X |
| 1967 | The Busy Body | Whittaker |
| 1966 | The Wild Wild West (TV Series) | Villar |