Dec 1, 1940

Peoria, Illinois, USA

Richard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor III (December 1, 1940 – December 10, 2005) was an African American comedian, actor, and writer.

Pryor was a gifted storyteller known for unflinching examinations of race and custom in modern life, and was well-known for his frequent use of colorful language, vulgarities, as well as such racial epithets. He reached a broad audience with his trenchant observations, although public opinion of his act was often divided. He is commonly regarded as one of the mo... ... (read more...) st important stand up comedians of his time: Jerry Seinfeld called Pryor "The Picasso of our profession."; Whoopi Goldberg cited him as her biggest influence, stating "The major influence was Richard - I want to say those things he's saying."
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His catalog includes such concert movies and recordings as Richard Pryor: Live & Smokin' (1971), That Nigger's Crazy (1974), Bicentennial Nigger (1976), Richard Pryor: Wanted – Live In Concert (1979) and Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip (1982). He also starred in numerous films as an actor, usually in comedies such as the classic Silver Streak, but occasionally in the noteworthy dramatic role, such as Paul Schrader's film Blue Collar. He also collaborated on many projects with actor Gene Wilder. He won an Emmy Award in 1973, and five Grammy Awards in 1974, 1975, 1976, 1981, and 1982. In 1974 he also won two American Academy of Humor awards and the Writers Guild of America Award.