Richard Pryor

Who Was Richard Pryor?

Richard Pryor, a groundbreaking comedian and actor, transformed the landscape of American comedy with his candid and provocative humor. Known for his unique storytelling style, he became a successful stand-up comedian, television writer, and film actor, appearing in notable works such as Stir Crazy and Greased Lightning. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1986, Pryor continued to perform for several years until his passing from a heart attack in 2005.

Early Life

Born on December 1, 1940, in Peoria, Illinois, Pryor faced numerous hardships in his early life. His mother worked as a prostitute, while his father was a military veteran, bartender, and boxer. Their marriage ended shortly after Pryor’s birth, leaving him primarily in the care of his grandmother, who operated a brothel. This challenging upbringing exposed him to sexual abuse and a harsh environment, but he found solace in cinema, frequently visiting movie theaters to escape reality.

In school, Pryor was the quintessential class clown, and he discovered his passion for acting in his early teens. His talent was recognized by Juliette Whittaker, a local community center director, who cast him in a production of Rumpelstiltskin and became a significant mentor throughout his youth. Expelled at the age of 14, Pryor held various jobs before enlisting in the military in 1958, though his service was cut short after two years due to disciplinary issues.

Stand-Up Comic

After returning from the military, Pryor married Patricia Price in 1960, welcoming a child before their divorce. He soon dedicated himself to stand-up comedy, performing in African American clubs throughout the Midwest. In 1963, he moved to New York City, where he made his television debut on On Broadway Tonight and gained attention through appearances on The Merv Griffin Show and The Ed Sullivan Show. Early in his career, he modeled his act after fellow comedians Bill Cosby and Dick Gregory.

By the late 1960s, Pryor had begun to land small roles in films such as The Busy Body (1967) and Wild in the Streets (1968). During this period, he also released his first comedy album. In 1967, he married Shelly Bonus, with whom he had a daughter before their divorce in 1969.

Pryor’s career continued to flourish as he toured extensively, including a stint as Bobby Darin’s opening act in Las Vegas. However, feeling constrained by the limitations of mainstream comedy, he took a hiatus and retreated to Berkeley, California, where he immersed himself in counterculture and met influential figures, including Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton.

Mainstream Success

In the early 1970s, Pryor began achieving significant recognition as both an actor and comedian. His role in the Billie Holiday biopic Lady Sings the Blues (1972) garnered acclaim, and in 1973, he received his first Emmy Award nomination for his writing on The Lily Tomlin Show. The following year, he won his first Emmy for the special Lily (1973).

Continuing to expand his career, Pryor collaborated with Mel Brooks on the screenplay for the satirical western Blazing Saddles (1974). His comedy resonated with diverse audiences as he addressed social issues and explored racial dynamics, often using situational humor and character-driven narratives. His third comedy album, despite its controversial X-rated content, achieved commercial success and earned him a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Recording in 1974—a feat he replicated in subsequent years.

By the late 1970s, Pryor was a prominent figure in Hollywood, starring in successful films such as Silver Streak (1976) alongside Gene Wilder and Greased Lightning (1977). He married his third wife, Deborah McGuire, in 1977, but they divorced two years later.

Troubled Personal Life

Off-stage, Pryor’s life was marked by personal struggles, including substance abuse and tumultuous relationships. In the early 1970s, he faced legal issues for tax evasion and was placed on probation after an incident involving his estranged wife’s car. Following a heart attack in 1978, Pryor created what many consider his finest work, Richard Pryor: Live in Concert (1979), which received widespread acclaim.

The comedian continued to thrive professionally, co-starring with Wilder in the hit Stir Crazy (1980), which grossed over $100 million. However, his substance abuse escalated, culminating in a near-fatal incident in June 1980 when he accidentally set himself on fire during a freebasing cocaine session. In his autobiography, he later revealed that this was a suicide attempt, although he initially framed it as an accident.

Comeback

Following a long recovery, Pryor returned to the stage and screen, winning two more Grammy Awards for Best Comedy Recording for Rev. Du Rite (1981) and Live on the Sunset Strip (1982), the latter of which was released as a concert film. He starred in several films, including Some Kind of Hero (1982) and The Toy (1982). In 1981, Pryor married Jennifer Lee, but their marriage lasted only a year.

By 1983, he had become one of the highest-paid African American actors, earning $4 million for his role in Superman III, reportedly more than the film’s lead, Christopher Reeve. His life experiences culminated in the autobiographical film Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling (1986), where he portrayed a popular comedian reflecting on his tumultuous life.

Later Years

In 1986, Pryor was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis but continued to act and perform. He appeared in films like Critical Condition (1987), See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989), and Harlem Nights (1989). Despite his declining health and eventual confinement to a wheelchair, he remained committed to his craft.

Pryor published his autobiography, Pryor Convictions: And Other Life Sentences, in 1995, receiving critical acclaim. His final film appearance was in David Lynch’s Lost Highway (1997). In 1998, he became the first recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, expressing pride in using humor to bridge societal divides.

After remarrying Jennifer Lee in 2001, Pryor spent his final years with her in California, advocating for animal rights and establishing Pryor’s Planet, a charity for animal welfare.

Death and Legacy

Richard Pryor passed away on December 10, 2005, from a heart attack at a Los Angeles hospital. His legacy as a pioneering comedian remains profound, influencing a generation of African American comedians, including Eddie Murphy and Chris Rock. Comedian Keenen Ivory Wayans remarked, “Pryor started it all. He made the blueprint for the progressive thinking of Black comedians, unlocking that irreverent style.”

In recent years, there has been interest in his life story, with plans for a biopic featuring Tracy Morgan and directed by Lee Daniels. Furthermore, discussions surrounding his sexuality have emerged, particularly following Quincy Jones’s revelations, which Pryor’s widow confirmed, highlighting his openness about his bisexuality. Richard Pryor’s contributions to comedy and culture continue to resonate, solidifying his status as a transformative figure in American entertainment.