Richard Pryor

Richard Pryor (December 1, 1940 - December 10, 2005) was an actor, comedian, director, and writer. He is best known for his stand up comedy, and his roles in The Toy, Stir Crazy, Superman III, The Wiz, Car Wash, and Critical Condition.
== Biography ==
=== Early Life ===
Richard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor grew up in a challenging environment. His mother, Gertrude, worked as a call girl, and his father, LeRoy, was a boxer and bartender. Pryor experienced a difficult childhood, marked by poverty and adversity. He left school at an early age and joined the military briefly before pursuing a career in stand-up comedy.
=== Career ===
Richard Pryor began his comedy career in New York City during the early 1960s. Initially, his style was influenced by Bill Cosby's clean and family-friendly humor. As he honed his craft, Pryor found his own voice, transitioning to a more raw, honest, and socially conscious form of comedy. He drew inspiration from his own life experiences, including his troubled upbringing, drug addiction, and personal relationships.
Pryor's groundbreaking comedy albums, such as "That N****r's Crazy" (1974) and "Bicentennial N****r" (1976), addressed issues of race, social inequality, and the African American experience in America. He was known for his fearless approach to tackling taboo subjects, using humor to shed light on uncomfortable truths. In 1978 Pryor would portray the role of The Wizard in the film adaptation of The Wiz. That same year Pryor would release "The Wizard Of Comedy" comedy album
Richard Pryor transitioned to the world of film and enjoyed considerable success as both an actor and writer. He appeared in a wide range of movies, including "Silver Streak" (1976), "Stir Crazy" (1980), and "The Toy" (1982), often collaborating with Gene Wilder in memorable comedic partnerships. Pryor's film career solidified his status as a comedic icon and helped him reach a broader audience.
=== Personal Struggles ===
Throughout his life, Pryor battled personal demons, including drug addiction and marital issues. He famously suffered severe burns in 1980 when freebasing cocaine, an incident that left a lasting impact on his health. Despite these challenges, Pryor's comedy continued to evolve, and he addressed his struggles openly in his work.
=== Legacy ===
Richard Pryor's impact on comedy is immeasurable. He is often credited with revolutionizing the stand-up comedy genre by introducing a confessional and socially aware style that influenced generations of comedians. He received numerous accolades during his career, including Grammy Awards and Emmy Awards, and was a recipient of the Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 1998. Pryor's influence extends beyond comedy, as his fearless approach to addressing racial and social issues in his humor contributed to important conversations about race and inequality in America.
Richard Pryor passed away on December 10, 2005, but his comedic legacy and his ability to use humor to confront the complexities of the human experience continue to resonate with audiences and comedians alike. His contributions to comedy and social commentary have left an indelible mark on American entertainment and culture.
==Significant Films==
*The Busy Body (1967)
*Black Brigade (1970)
*Live and Smokin' (1971)
*Dynamite Chicken (1972)
*Lady Sings the Blues (1972)
*The Mack (1973)
*Hit! (1973)
*Uptown Saturday Night (1974)
*Adios Amigo (1976)
*Car Wash (1976)
*Silver Streak (1976)
*Which Way Is Up? (1977)
*Greased Lightning (1977)
*Blue Collar (1978)
*The Wiz (1978)
*California Suite (1978)
*Richard Pryor: Live in Concert (1979)
*The Muppet Movie (1979)
*Wholly Moses (1980)
*In God We Tyu$t (1980)
*Stir Crazy (1980)
*Bustin' Loose (1981)
*Some Kind of Hero (1982)
*Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip (1982)
*The Toy (1982)
*Superman III (1983)
*Motown 25 (1983)
*Brewster's Millions (1985)
*Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life is Calling (1986)
*Critical Condition (1987)
*Moving (1988)
*See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989)
*Harlem Nights (1989)
*Another You (1991)
*Mad Dog Time (1996)
*Lost Highway (1997)
*I Ain't Dead Yet, #*%$@!! (2003)
*Black Dynamite (2009)
==Section heading==
Write the second section of your page here.
Category:Actors
Category:Comedic actors
Category:American Comedians
Category:African-American comedians
Category:2005 deaths