(Warning! Some readers of this commentary, and viewers of the attached video clip might find portions objectionable. Viewer discretion is advised)
Richard Pryor was a stand up comedian of such talent and influence, that it seems like an unusually high number of current and former comedians list him as their inspiration for getting into the field. Some of his other talents were underrated.
I first became aware of him through his comedy album titled “That’s Niger’s Crazy” in the 1970’s. It was raw, politically incorrect, and brilliant. His talent didn’t stop there however.
None other than the great Mel Brooks wanted him to be the star of a western movie spoof he was planning called “Blazing Saddles”. Unfortunately for Brooks, he couldn’t get insurance for him so the lead part eventually went to Cleavon Little. Pryor was signed on as a writer for the project and is credited with a lot of the success of the film.
In addition to stand up and screenplay writing, Richard Pryor also had a number of dramatic as well as comedic roles both on film and television. Despite the reported volatility and alleged substance abuse in his life during this period, his humanity and artistry often manages to shine through.
Here’s a scene with him and by Billy D. Williams from the 1973 movie “Hit”. It was patterned after the 1971 Best Picture Award winner “The French Connection”
