Richard Pryor

Born:1 בדצמבר 1940

Place of Birth:Peoria, Illinois, USA

Died:10 בדצמבר 2005

Known For:Acting

Biography

Richard Pryor, a legendary figure in the world of comedy, was a multi-talented individual who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His fearless approach to addressing sensitive subjects like racism and social issues set him apart as a trailblazer in the realm of stand-up comedy. Pryor's unique storytelling style, coupled with his bold use of colorful language and profanity, resonated with audiences and critics alike, solidifying his reputation as one of the most influential comedians of all time.

Throughout his illustrious career, Pryor captivated audiences with his raw and unfiltered observations, showcasing a keen wit and sharp intellect that set him apart from his peers. His collaborations with acclaimed actors like Gene Wilder and writer Paul Mooney yielded memorable and iconic projects that showcased his versatility as a performer. Whether in comedic or dramatic roles, Pryor's magnetic presence on screen left a lasting impact on viewers and critics alike.

Not only was Pryor a masterful comedian, but he also ventured into the realms of film direction and writing, further showcasing his diverse talents and creative vision. His contributions to the entertainment industry were duly recognized with numerous accolades, including Emmy Awards, Grammy Awards, and the prestigious Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. Pryor's ability to push boundaries and challenge societal norms through his work solidified his legacy as a groundbreaking artist who paved the way for future generations of comedians.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Pryor's personal struggles and triumphs added depth to his public persona, endearing him to fans who admired his resilience and authenticity. Despite facing challenges in his personal life, Pryor remained a beacon of hope and inspiration for many, using his platform to shed light on important social issues and advocate for change.

In the annals of comedy history, Richard Pryor stands out as a transformative figure whose impact transcends generations. His influence can be seen in the work of countless comedians who have been inspired by his fearless approach to comedy and his unwavering commitment to speaking truth to power. Pryor's enduring legacy serves as a testament to the power of humor to provoke thought, spark dialogue, and bring about positive change in society.

Richard Pryor's legacy continues to resonate with audiences around the world, as his timeless humor and incisive commentary remain as relevant today as they were during his heyday. His contributions to the world of entertainment have left an indelible mark on popular culture, ensuring that his name will be forever etched in the annals of comedy history.

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פילמוגרפיה

משחק

Lost Highway

Arnie

1997

A tormented jazz musician finds himself lost in an enigmatic story involving murder, surveillance, gangsters, doppelgängers, and an impossible transformation inside a prison cell.

Me, Myself & Irene

Stand-Up Comedian on TV (archive footage) (uncredited)

2000

Rhode Island State Trooper Charlie Baileygates has a multiple personality disorder. One personality is crazy and aggressive, while the other is more friendly and laid back. Both of these personalities fall in love with the same woman named Irene after Charlie loses his medication.

Superman III

August 'Gus' Gorman

1983

Aiming to defeat the Man of Steel, wealthy executive Ross Webster hires bumbling but brilliant Gus Gorman to develop synthetic kryptonite, which yields some unexpected psychological effects. Between rekindling romance with his high school sweetheart and saving himself, Superman must contend with a powerful supercomputer.

Brewster's Millions

Montgomery Brewster

1985

Monty Brewster, an aging minor-league baseball player, stands to inherit $300 million if he can successfully spend $30 million in 30 days without anything to show for it, and without telling anyone what he's up to... A task that's a lot harder than it sounds!

See No Evil, Hear No Evil

Wallace 'Wally' Karue

1989

A murder takes place in the shop of David Lyons, a deaf man who fails to hear the gunshot being fired. Outside, blind man Wally Karue hears the shot but cannot see the perpetrator. Both are arrested, but escape to form an unlikely partnership. Being chased by both the law AND the original killers, can the pair work together to outwit them all?

The Wiz

1978

Dorothy Gale, a shy kindergarten teacher, is swept away to the magic land of Oz where she embarks on a quest to return home.

The Muppet Movie

Balloon Vendor

1979

A Hollywood agent persuades Kermit the Frog to leave the swamp to pursue a career in Hollywood. On his way there, he meets a bear, a pig, a whatever – his future muppet crew – while being chased by the desperate owner of a frog-leg restaurant!

Stir Crazy

Harry Monroe

1980

New Yorkers Skip Donahue and Harry Monroe have no jobs and no prospects, so they decide to flee the city and find work elsewhere, landing jobs wearing woodpecker costumes to promote the opening of a bank. When their feathery costumes are stolen and used in a bank robbery, they no longer have to worry about employment — they're sent to prison.

The Toy

Jack Brown

1982

On one of his bratty son Eric's annual visits, the plutocrat U.S. Bates takes him to his department store and offers him anything in it as a gift. Eric chooses a black janitor who has made him laugh with his antics. At first the man suffers many indignities as Eric's "toy", but gradually teaches the lonely boy what it is like to have and to be a friend.

California Suite

Dr. Chauncey Gump

1978

The misadventures of four groups of guests at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Lady Sings the Blues

Piano Man

1972

Chronicles the rise and fall of legendary blues singer Billie Holiday, beginning with her traumatic youth. The story depicts her early attempts at a singing career and her eventual rise to stardom, as well as her difficult relationship with Louis McKay, her boyfriend and manager. Casting a shadow over even Holiday's brightest moments is the vocalist's severe drug addiction, which threatens to end both her career and her life.

Which Way Is Up?

Leroy Jones / Rufus Jones / Rev. Lenox Thomas

1977

Orange picker Leroy Jones inadvertently becomes a union leader and is forced out of town, leaving behind his sex-obsessed father, Rufus, and timid spouse, Annie Mae. He heads for Los Angeles, where he falls for union organizer Vanetta. Annie Mae seeks solace from local preacher Lenox Thomas, who eventually impregnates her. When Leroy catches wind, he heads home for a showdown with Lenox.

The Hall: Honoring the Greats of Stand-Up

Self (archive footage)

2022

In this comedy special, Jon Stewart, John Mulaney, Chelsea Handler and Dave Chappelle honor George Carlin, Joan Rivers, Robin Williams and Richard Pryor.

Silver Streak

Grover Muldoon

1976

A somewhat daffy book editor on a rail trip from Los Angeles to Chicago thinks that he sees a murdered man thrown from the train. When he can find no one who will believe him, he starts doing some investigating of his own. But all that accomplishes is to get the killer after him.

הפקה

Blazing Saddles

Screenplay

1974

A town—where everyone seems to be named Johnson—stands in the way of the railroad. In order to grab their land, robber baron Hedley Lamarr sends his henchmen to make life in the town unbearable. After the sheriff is killed, the town demands a new sheriff from the Governor, so Hedley convinces him to send the town the first black sheriff in the west.

Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank

Original Film Writer

2022

A hard-on-his-luck hound finds himself in a town full of cats in need of a hero to defend them from a ruthless villain's wicked plot to wipe their village off the map. With help from a reluctant mentor, our underdog must assume the role of town samurai and team up with the villagers to save the day.