Richard Pryor Obituary

Richard Pryor

December 1, 1940 in Peoria, IL

He had been battling multiple sclerosis, but suffered a heart attack and died at a hospital in Los Angeles on December 10, 2005.

"I cannot tell jokes. Comedy is not comedy as society has defined it. Art is the ability to tell the truth, especially about oneself."

"Pryor started it all." -Keenan Ivory Wayans
"He was better than anyone who ever picked up a microphone." -Eddie Murphy

In 1977, Pryor had his own television series, "The Richard Pryor Show", but networks pulled the plug after only 4 episodes.

Married to Patricia Price from 1960 - 1961. They had a son, Richard.
Married to Shelly Bonus from 1967 - 1969. They had a daughter, Rain.
Married to Deborah McGuire from 1977 - 1979.
Married to Jennifer Lee from 1981-1982.
Married to Flynn BeLaine from 1986 - 1987. They had a son Stephen and a daughter Kelsey.
Remarried to Flynn from 1990 - 1991.
Remarried to Jennifer Lee in 2001.

1976 - NY Film Critics Circle Nomination for Best Supporting Actor in "Silver Streak"
1998- Kennedy Center Award for Humor, Mark Twain Prize

1990s: Lost Highway (1997), Mad Dog Time (1996), Another You (1991), The Three Muscatels (1991)

1980s:Harlem Nights (1989), See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989), Moving (1988), Critical Condition (1987), Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling (1986), Brewster's Millions (1985), Superman III (1983), The Toy (1982), Some Kind of Hero (1982), Bustin' Loose (1981), Stir Crazy (1980), In God We Trust (1980), Wholly Moses! (1980)

1970s: The Muppet Movie (1979), California Suite (1978), The Wiz (1978), Blue Collar (1978), Greased Lightning (1977), Which Way Is Up? (1977), Silver Streak (1976), The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings (1976), Car Wash (1976), Adiós Amigo (1976), Uptown Saturday Night (1974), Some Call It Loving (1973), Hit! (1973), The Mack (1973), Lady Sings the Blues (1972), You've Got to Walk It Like You Talk It (1971), Carter's Army (1970)

1960s: The Young Lawyers (1969), Wild in the Streets (1968), The Busy Body (1967)