Pryor, Richard (1940–2005)

US comedian, film actor, and screenwriter. His acutely observed character monologues were peppered with profanities, and highlight racial and social hypocrisies. He formed an acting partnership with Gene Wilder in a series of comedy ‘buddy movies’ including Silver Streak (1976) and Stir Crazy (1980).

Pryor's film career never matched the success of his stand-up routines, captured in such filmed live performances as Richard Pryor – Live in Concert (1979) and Richard Pryor – Live on Sunset Strip (1982). As an actor, his first memorable role was in Lady Sings the Blues (1972), followed by roles in Uptown Saturday Night (1974), Car Wash (1976), and Superman III (1983). He directed Richard Pryor Here and Now (1983), one of his four filmed live performances; and the semi-autobiographical Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life is Calling (1986).

One of the foremost comedians of his generation, Pryor used his highly volatile personal life as subject matter for his act, including heart attacks, drug use, and brushes with the police. He won several Grammy awards for his comedy albums. He wrote for TV in the mid-60s, and coscripted the film Blazing Saddles (1974) with Mel Brooks.