Richard Pryor
other
December 1, 1940
Sagittarius
84
Peoria, Illinois
Richard Pryor was a legendary American stand-up comedian, actor, and writer. Known for his unflinching and often controversial material, Pryor’s signature brand of humor tackled race relations, social issues, and personal struggles. He is famous for his works, “Live on Sunset Strip” and “Richard Pryor: Live in Concert.” Pryor also starred in films including “Stir Crazy” and “Silver Streak” and was awarded five Grammy Awards for Best Comedy Album. He was involved in the TV show “The Richard Pryor Show” and wrote a book entitled “Pryor Convictions.”
Richard Pryor’s middle name ‘Franklin’ was given to him in honor of Founding Father Benjamin Franklin. Pryor’s stage surname was adopted from a family that Richard supposedly admired. In 1963, he changed the spelling of his surname from “Prior” to “Pryor” as to distinguish himself from an established Richard Prior in the entertainment industry.
Richard Pryor set himself on fire while freebasing cocaine in 1980. He had severe burns on more than half of his body and underwent a six-week recovery at the Grossman Burn Center at Sherman Oaks Hospital. Pryor referenced the incident in his comedy routines and incorporated it into his semi-autobiographical film, “Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling” in 1986.
