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2005:
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An appreciation of Richard Pryor
with Richard Pryor on Dec 13, 2005
- Duration
- 60 min
- Comments
- Rating
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with Richard Pryor on Dec 13, 2005
Richard Pryor (December 1, 1940 - December 10, 2005) was a legendary, groundbreaking and controversial American comedian. Pryor began working as a professional comic in clubs throughout the Midwest in the early 1960s. He went to New York in 1963 and gained recognition for his club work as a stand-up, performing on the same bill as such famous personalities as Bob Dylan and Richie Havens. While in New York, Pryor also garnered some mentorship from Woody Allen. In 1966, Pryor appeared on television in show such as Rudy Vallee’s “On Broadway Tonight,” “The Ed Sullivan Show,” and “The Johnny Carson Show.”
Pryor performed briefly in Las Vegas, moving to California in 1969. After a while in Hollywood, he began starring in films. He appeared in “The Busy Body” and “Wild in the Streets,” and released his first album, “Richard Pryor.” More movies followed, including “Lady Sings the Blues.” In all, Pryor, who in 1980 formed his own production company, Indigo (under the banner of Columbia Pictures), appeared in almost 50 movies, including several with Gene Wilder and the autobiographical “Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life is Calling.” In 1983, Pryor was paid $4 million for his role as accomplice to the villain in “Superman III.” On television, Pryor headlined and received high accolades for two series: “The Richard Pryor Show” (NBC, 1977), and the children’s show “Pryor’s Place” (1984).
Prior also distinguished himself as a director. His first screenwriting attempt (with Mel Brooks), “Blazing Saddles,” continued his success in this arena by earning him the Writers Guild of America Award for Best Comedy Written Directly for the Screen.
Pryor is best known for his live comedy, which was captured in “Live and Smokin’,” “Richard Pryor Live in Concert,” “Richard Pryor Live on Sunset Strip,” and “Here and Now.” His numerous recordings earned him two platinum albums, five golds, and five Grammys.
Source - Richard Pryor web site http://www.richardpryor.com/0/4113/0/1240D1271/
