R.I.P Richard Pryor

[eheiney]

Comedian Richard Pryor dead at 65


Nothing was off limits for Richard Pryor

Groundbreaking black US comedian Richard Pryor has died after almost 20 years with multiple sclerosis.

He died at the age of 65 of a heart attack at Encino hospital near Los Angeles, his wife Jennifer Pryor said.

A series of hit comedies in the 1970s and 1980s - including Stir Crazy and Silver Streak - helped make him one of Hollywood's highest-paid stars.

He was one of the first black performers to have enough clout to negotiate his own Hollywood deals.

In 1983, he signed a $40m (£23m;34m euros), five-year contract with Columbia Pictures.

Foul-mouthed

But he first came to prominence as a pioneering stand-up comic.

His uncompromising, foul-mouthed brand of humour focused on his personal insights into modern life and race relations.

Among those most said to have been influenced by his comedy were black artists such as Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall and Damon Wayans, as well as Robin Williams, David Letterman and others.

In 1995, he played an embittered multiple sclerosis patient in an episode of TV series Chicago Hope. The role earned him an Emmy nomination as best guest actor in a drama series.

Multiple sclerosis is a degenerative disease of the nervous system.

I'll have to find my tapes for one final last laugh.

[Schmeet]

No way! I was not long ago watching 'Comedian's Comedian' and he was in the top 10. Sad.

[ElChevelle]

He's #1 in my book. I grew up listening to him and learned how to properly cuss as a result.
I'll miss you my other colored brother

[zootm]

He was a funny guy.

[old and quite mad]

I was listening to some of his stuff yesterday. That guy was on EVERYONE'S turntables back in the late 70s. I run out of fingers and toes trying to count the number of times he made me laugh my ass off.

[sgtfuzzbubble011]

Sad news. :[

[rockouthippie]

"When you are running down the road on fire, people will get out of your way."

[toqer]

Anyone want to start a death pool on the next dead black comedian? Bill Cosby is lookin pretty old.

[MegaRock]

"I'd like to make you laugh for about ten minutes though I'm gonna be on for an hour."

RIP Richard. You were one funny ass motherfucker.

[SSJ4 Gogitta]

Rest in peace, my brother of another color.

I enjoy him on XM Comedy 150.

[CaboWaboAddict]

I enjoyed his humor immensely. RIP

[Omega X]

Originally posted by t0qer
Anyone want to start a death pool on the next dead black comedian? Bill Cosby is lookin pretty old.

J. Anthony Brown maybe? He is looking kind of ragged these days too.

[rockouthippie]

Cartman says:

"Betting on dead negroes in school is not cool"

[mysterious_w]

I'm guessing this guy was a big inspiration for Eddie Murphy and Chris Rock, no?

[shakey_snake]

Who can forget The Toy?

[ElChevelle]

Originally posted by mysterious_w
I'm guessing this guy was a big inspiration for Eddie Murphy and Chris Rock, no?

In Eddie's Raw show, where he describes getting an angry call from Bill Cosby, chastising him for being so obscene in his act. So Eddie calls Richard Pryor for advice.

"Do people laugh when you say what you say?" Richard asked. "Do you get paid? Then tell Bill to have a Coke and a smile, and shut the fuck up."

Richard Pryor opened the doors for most all black comedians and Eddie and Chris have both said that they idolized Richard as kids.

[Scilly 2 Boo]

see no evil hear no evil R.I.P RICHARD

[MR Styles]

As I'm italian, I don't even know who he is, but anyway R.I.P.

[ElChevelle]

As I'm Italian?
WTFF?

[sgtfuzzbubble011]

I'm half Italian, but what does that have to do with the price of tea in China?

[shakey_snake]

The nipples make since now.

[Smeggle]

Man - thats so sad... The guy was gifted.

R.I.P.