Richard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor Sr., also known as Richard Pryor, is an American stand-up comedian and actor known for Known for his keen observation and storytelling style.
He is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential stand-up comedians in history, captivating diverse audiences with his unique approach to comedy.
contour
- Full name: Richard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor Sr.
- Stage name: Richard Pryor
- Date of birth: December 1, 1940
- Date of death: December 10, 2005 (Age: 65 years old)
- Birthplace: Peoria, Illinois, United States
- Nationality: United States
- Occupation: Actor and comedian
- Height: 1.78m
- Parents: LeRoy Pryor and Gertrude L. Thomas
- Siblings: 3
- Spouses: Patricia Price (M, 1960–1961), Shelley Bonus (M, 1967–1969), Deborah McGuire McGuire, male, 1977–1978), Jennifer Lee Lee, m. 1981–1982), Flynn Belaine (m. 1986–1987), Flynn Belaine (m. 1990–1991), and Jennifer Lee (2001– Married in 2005)
- Children: Richard Pryor Jr., Lane Pryor, Elizabeth Pryor, Steven Pryor, Franklin Pryor, Renee Pryor, Kelsey Pryor Pryor
- Relationship: Married
- Net worth: $40 million
early life and education
Richard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor Sr. was born on December 1, 1940 in Peoria, Illinois, USA, to Leroy Pryor LeRoy Pryor, mother is Gertrude L. Thomas.
He had three siblings, was abandoned by his parents when he was ten, and spent much of his childhood in his grandmother’s brothel.
Details about his formal education are not widely known. Pryor identifies as African American and often incorporates elements of his cultural heritage into his comedy.
Although he was raised Catholic, he eventually distanced himself from organized religion, often exploring spiritual themes in his work.
Profession
Richard Pryor began his career in the 1960s, making his film debut in The Busy Body (1967) and best known for his role in Lady Blues He quickly gained recognition for his role in Sings the Blues (1972).
He became a seminal figure in stand-up comedy, known for his raw, unapologetic material that dealt with race, social issues and personal struggles.
His comedy albums, primarily That Nigger’s Crazy (1974), won multiple Grammy Awards, established him as one of the leading figures in American comedy and set new standards for comedic storytelling.
In the 1970s, Pryor expanded his influence into television and film, co-creating the iconic Blazing Saddles (1974) and starring in Silver Streak ) (1976) and Stir Crazy (1980).
His unique ability to blend humor with pointed social commentary resonates with diverse audiences, allowing him to tackle taboo topics with wit and vulnerability.
Pryor’s stand-up comedy film Richard Pryor: Live in Concert (1979) was the first of its kind and was a box office success, further solidifying the cemented his status as a comedy legend.
Pryor has received numerous honors during his career, including an Emmy Award and five Grammy Awards. Revered for his innovation and candor, he profoundly impacted the stand-up world and inspired generations of comedians.
Despite facing personal challenges, including drug addiction, he remained a pioneering entertainer who reinvented comedy and film, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
Awards and nominations
- Grammy Awards
- primetime emmy awards
- Writers Guild of America Award
- Mark Twain Award for American Humor (1998)
social media
- Instagram account: @richardpryor
- Facebook account: Richard Pryor Official
- Twitter account: @richardfpryor
personal life
Richard Pryor was married seven times to five women. His marriages included: to Patricia Price from 1960 to 1961, with whom he had one son, Richard Pryor Jr.; to Snow from 1967 to 1969 Shelley Bonus gets married and gives birth to daughter Rain. Deborah McGuire, 1977-1978; Jennifer Lee (1981-1982, died 2001-2005); and Flynn Belaine, 1986, 1987 and married twice in 1990.
He has two children, Steven and Kelsey, with Flynn, as well as son Franklin, who was born before his second marriage.
Pryor had seven children: Richard Jr., Wren, Elizabeth, Steven, Franklin, Renee and Kelsey. His relationships were often tumultuous, reflecting the personal struggles he faced, including drug addiction.
These challenges sometimes led to accusations of domestic violence from his ex-wife, highlighting the complexities and difficulties of his personal life.
film chronology
- Blazing Saddles(1974)
- The Wizard(1978)
- Silver Thread(1976)
- Stirring (1980)
- See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989)
- Superman III(1983)
- Brewster’s Millions(1985)
- Harlem Nights (1989)
net worth
At the time of his death in 2005, Richard Pryor’s net worth was $40 million. His wealth is mainly derived from his successful career in stand-up comedy, film and television.
His credits include several hit comedy albums and major films such as “Stir Crazy” and “Superman III.”
