Richard Pryor -- RIP

Pigsfootpeete · December 10th, 2005, 05:23 PM

One of our funniest entertainers has passed. Cardiac arrest.
He was a funny guy, and we'll miss him.

ramblinmike · December 10th, 2005, 05:26 PM

oh wow.

. he was hilarious. he will be missed.

eryque · December 10th, 2005, 05:34 PM

wow. i thought he died a few years back.

some of my earliest mass media memories are of my parents not allowing me to watch a richard pryor tape their friend lent them. even when i was 5 or 6 i thought he was one hysterical guy.

beez · December 10th, 2005, 06:11 PM

Very sad. He was one of the true greats in comedy, on par with Jack Benny, Steve Martin, and Eddie Murphy. I was first introduced to him as a child when my uncle gave me a copy of the double live album Wanted: Richard Pryor, Live in Concert. Fantastic stuff, and one of the yardsticks that I have used to judge all standup comedy since.

He will be missed.

Chris S. · December 10th, 2005, 06:44 PM

That's a shame. And yes, he will be missed. :-(

I have a wonderful memory of seeing him perform live. My girlfriend and I went to see him at the Kennedy Center in D.C. in the late 70s (likely '78 or so...). I had gotten tickets early, and we had very good seats, right down near the front center of the Concert Hall.

Anyway, we were one of only a few dozen white couples in the mostly African-American audience, and when Richard Pryor came onstage to start his act, he suddenly froze as though he'd seen a ghost, pointed directly at us and screamed out, "White people!!"

It was hilarious. 8)

(I'd tell you what his next joke was, but the TDPRI software would censor it beyond recognition... -LOL-)

RIP Richard Pryor, a true original. – CS

teleman77 · December 10th, 2005, 07:01 PM

Irreplaceable, Original, Genius; We will not see his likes again. RIP Mr. Pryor........................

Colo Springs E · December 10th, 2005, 07:31 PM

......I always loved Richard Pryor. I put him up there as one of the funniest 2 or 3 ever. Yes, he was raunchy/foul mouthed, and I loved it.

It's not surprising to learn of his passing; Richard seemed to be living on borrowed time for about the last 15-20 years.

RIP Richard, you made us laugh till we hurt, thanks...

David Barnett · December 10th, 2005, 07:35 PM

What a shame. Multiple sclerosis is a lousy way to spend the last decade of his life.

Rufus · December 10th, 2005, 07:44 PM

Saturday Night Live used a 5 second broadcast delay during his appearance in the '70's - just in case he said something "inappropriate".

He was the very first guest to receive that "honor".

He was so funny because he described life the way it really was...warts and all. Most of his routine was based upon his real life.

Some comics use profanity for shock value, but Richard really made us laugh. The way he talked was very natural. I can't think of another comedian who could use the "N" word and make me laugh out loud (maybe Eddie Murphy? - or Samuel L Jackson. He's not a comedian, but still funny.)

I'm surprised that Richard lasted as long as he did.
One of my favorite quotes -
"You can't get hooked snorting cocaine. I did it for 20 years and I wasn't hooked."

e-merlin · December 10th, 2005, 11:51 PM

I was watching a biography of him on TV last weekend. Don't remember what station was running it, though. He was one truely funny guy. An original.

stantheman · December 11th, 2005, 08:14 AM

now that I think about it that Richard never received a
"Mark Twain Award" because truthfully he's much more of a Humorist in the tradition of Mark Twain than any of the winners to date - plus a heckuva lot funnier than any other Performer of his generation. Jackie Gleason who was certainly no slouch when it came to Comedy appreciated Richard's genius mind and was a huge fan besides.
I think Richard deserves "a Twain" regardless and frankly if he doesn't get one then there's something seriously with the committee that is in charge of awarding them.
With the exception of Mark Twain there is/was nobody
else besides Richard Pryor who could take the most tragic of circumstances and not only make Us laugh but
inspire Us to make changes.
That is Genius.

clayfeat · December 11th, 2005, 11:27 AM

The most talented of comedians always seem to find a way to leave us too soon. RIP Richard. You were truly among the most gifted. :(

xStonr · December 11th, 2005, 12:18 PM

He was definately a one of a kind. He took comedy to another level an will be never forgotten for that. Having MS is a tough way to go.

eggman · December 11th, 2005, 12:24 PM

Howdy,

Between "Blazing Saddles" (which he co-wrote with Mel Brooks) and "The Silver Streak", I became a Richard Pryor fan by the mid-70's. Somewhere in the mid-70's (I was probably 13 or so), I bought one of Richard Pryor's live albums. "That N..is crazy".
My father would listen to this record and be on the FLOOR crying and clutching his sides in spasms of merriment in 10 seconds flat, no kidding! Richard Pryor had a gift. John Lennon had it, IMHO. Elvis had it. Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder..Robin Williams.
Anyone can curse. Richard Pryor made us laugh out loud and see his POV while doing so.With all his flaws, I was a fan. I will miss Richard Pryor.

Eggman

John Harrison · December 11th, 2005, 01:20 PM

Genius is a word that's used much too liberally these days. I don't know whether our standards have dropped or if marketing departments have just co-opted the term. Richard Pryor is one of a select few comic geniuses for whom "Hollywood" just wasn't up to providing an appropriate vehicle for that level of talent (Lily Tomlin is another, in my opinion). When Pryor was on his own, he was unrivalled.

While I was aware of Richard Pryor (I first spotted him on "The John Davidson Show"

, a summer replacement variety show that also featured a young George Carlin and ingenue Leslie Ann Warren), my real introduction to Pryor's genius came one night, during spring training, when I was a minor leaguer in the Cincinnati Reds' organization.

My roomie and I (both white, SoCal boys) went down to pick up two of our teammates (both black), who were rooming together. When we got to their room, we walked into a room, filled with black players, gathered to listen to the latest Richard Pryor record.

I stood there, wanting to laugh, yet wondering if it was okay for me to be laughing at Pryor's liberal use of the "N-word". I was on the verge of wetting myself when my buddy, Lynn Jones (now coaching first base for the Red Sox), saw my predicament, came over and draped his arm around my shoulder and whispered, "It's okay for you to laugh, Johnny". No problem, there.

RIP, Mudbone.

Unkie Al · December 11th, 2005, 06:08 PM

In the man's own words:

What I'm saying might be profane, but it's also profound

I will miss him...

RIP Mr. Pryor

Geyser · December 12th, 2005, 11:05 AM

I was sad to see this news. Pryor's influence is so far reaching; I bet you'd be hard-pressed to find any stand-up comedian working today who could honestly say he wasn't influenced by Pryor. He had such a bizarre and tragic life, but somehow translated all that pain and anger into some hilariously groundbreaking stuff. I guess one possible good thing to come of this will be that there will be lots of clips and tributes to him on TV for a while. I remember when comedian Mitch Hedberg died a while ago, Comedy Central aired his specials that weekend and I laughed so so so hard. Here's hoping someone will air some of his old concerts. RIP, Richard.

December 10th, 2005, 05:23 PM	#1 (permalink)
Pigsfootpeete Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Memphis Posts: 324	Richard Pryor -- RIP One of our funniest entertainers has passed. Cardiac arrest. He was a funny guy, and we'll miss him. __________________ *....I've forgotten more than I could ever hope to remember.....*

December 10th, 2005, 05:34 PM	#3 (permalink)
eryque Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: albany, ny [not chicago] Posts: 7,092 44 Photos	wow. i thought he died a few years back. some of my earliest mass media memories are of my parents not allowing me to watch a richard pryor tape their friend lent them. even when i was 5 or 6 i thought he was one hysterical guy. __________________ my blog: eryque.blogspot.com Updated 9.17.08! Subscribe_____________________

December 10th, 2005, 06:44 PM	#5 (permalink)
Chris S. Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Near TELE-Town (Wash. DC) Posts: 2,888 7 Photos	That's a shame. And yes, he will be missed. :-( I have a wonderful memory of seeing him perform live. My girlfriend and I went to see him at the Kennedy Center in D.C. in the late 70s (likely '78 or so...). I had gotten tickets early, and we had very good seats, right down near the front center of the Concert Hall. Anyway, we were one of only a few dozen white couples in the mostly African-American audience, and when Richard Pryor came onstage to start his act, he suddenly froze as though he'd seen a ghost, pointed directly at us and screamed out, "White people!!" It was hilarious. 8) (I'd tell you what his next joke was, but the TDPRI software would censor it beyond recognition... -LOL-) RIP Richard Pryor, a true original. – CS __________________ "I go online sometimes, but everyone's spelling is really bad. It's depressing." – Tara, from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" "It was born at the junction of form and function." – Bill Kirchen, from "Hammer of the Honky-Tonk Gods"

December 10th, 2005, 07:31 PM	#7 (permalink)
Colo Springs E Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 5,173 5 Photos	What a bummer.... ......I always loved Richard Pryor. I put him up there as one of the funniest 2 or 3 ever. Yes, he was raunchy/foul mouthed, and I loved it. It's not surprising to learn of his passing; Richard seemed to be living on borrowed time for about the last 15-20 years. RIP Richard, you made us laugh till we hurt, thanks... __________________ Think I'll pack it in and Buy a pickup Take it down to LA...

December 10th, 2005, 07:44 PM	#9 (permalink)
Rufus Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NW Atlanta Posts: 386	RIP Saturday Night Live used a 5 second broadcast delay during his appearance in the '70's - just in case he said something "inappropriate". He was the very first guest to receive that "honor". He was so funny because he described life the way it really was...warts and all. Most of his routine was based upon his real life. Some comics use profanity for shock value, but Richard really made us laugh. The way he talked was very natural. I can't think of another comedian who could use the "N" word and make me laugh out loud (maybe Eddie Murphy? - or Samuel L Jackson. He's not a comedian, but still funny.) I'm surprised that Richard lasted as long as he did. One of my favorite quotes - "You can't get hooked snorting cocaine. I did it for 20 years and I wasn't hooked." __________________ the Grand High Exalted Mystic Poobah of the Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy I spent most of my money on women and beer...the rest I just wasted.

December 10th, 2005, 05:26 PM	#2 (permalink)
ramblinmike Tele-Holic Join Date: May 2003 Location: Long Island NY Age: 23 Posts: 924	oh wow. . he was hilarious. he will be missed.

December 10th, 2005, 06:11 PM	#4 (permalink)
beez Tele-Holic Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 755	Very sad. He was one of the true greats in comedy, on par with Jack Benny, Steve Martin, and Eddie Murphy. I was first introduced to him as a child when my uncle gave me a copy of the double live album Wanted: Richard Pryor, Live in Concert. Fantastic stuff, and one of the yardsticks that I have used to judge all standup comedy since. He will be missed.

December 10th, 2005, 07:01 PM	#6 (permalink)
teleman77 Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Age: 48 Posts: 318	Irreplaceable, Original, Genius; We will not see his likes again. RIP Mr. Pryor........................

December 10th, 2005, 07:35 PM	#8 (permalink)
David Barnett Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: LIttle Rock, AR Age: 52 Posts: 5,411	What a shame. Multiple sclerosis is a lousy way to spend the last decade of his life.

December 11th, 2005, 08:14 AM	#11 (permalink)
stantheman Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: White Mountains Posts: 5,006	It's kinda of odd now that I think about it that Richard never received a "Mark Twain Award" because truthfully he's much more of a Humorist in the tradition of Mark Twain than any of the winners to date - plus a heckuva lot funnier than any other Performer of his generation. Jackie Gleason who was certainly no slouch when it came to Comedy appreciated Richard's genius mind and was a huge fan besides. I think Richard deserves "a Twain" regardless and frankly if he doesn't get one then there's something seriously with the committee that is in charge of awarding them. With the exception of Mark Twain there is/was nobody else besides Richard Pryor who could take the most tragic of circumstances and not only make Us laugh but inspire Us to make changes. That is Genius. __________________ Somebody Loan Me A Dime

December 11th, 2005, 11:27 AM	#12 (permalink)
clayfeat Tele-Holic Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: bloomington, in Posts: 592	The most talented of comedians always seem to find a way to leave us too soon. RIP Richard. You were truly among the most gifted. :(

December 11th, 2005, 12:18 PM	#13 (permalink)
xStonr Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Down in the Boondocks Posts: 1,342 4 Photos	He was definately a one of a kind. He took comedy to another level an will be never forgotten for that. Having MS is a tough way to go.

December 11th, 2005, 12:24 PM	#14 (permalink)
eggman Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bossier City,La. Posts: 1,145	Arguably the funniest guy, ever. Howdy, Between "Blazing Saddles" (which he co-wrote with Mel Brooks) and "The Silver Streak", I became a Richard Pryor fan by the mid-70's. Somewhere in the mid-70's (I was probably 13 or so), I bought one of Richard Pryor's live albums. "That N..is crazy". My father would listen to this record and be on the FLOOR crying and clutching his sides in spasms of merriment in 10 seconds flat, no kidding! Richard Pryor had a gift. John Lennon had it, IMHO. Elvis had it. Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder..Robin Williams. Anyone can curse. Richard Pryor made us laugh out loud and see his POV while doing so.With all his flaws, I was a fan. I will miss Richard Pryor. Eggman

December 11th, 2005, 01:20 PM	#15 (permalink)
John Harrison Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Corvallis, OR Posts: 1,043	Genius Genius is a word that's used much too liberally these days. I don't know whether our standards have dropped or if marketing departments have just co-opted the term. Richard Pryor is one of a select few comic geniuses for whom "Hollywood" just wasn't up to providing an appropriate vehicle for that level of talent (Lily Tomlin is another, in my opinion). When Pryor was on his own, he was unrivalled. While I was aware of Richard Pryor (I first spotted him on "The John Davidson Show" , a summer replacement variety show that also featured a young George Carlin and ingenue Leslie Ann Warren), my real introduction to Pryor's genius came one night, during spring training, when I was a minor leaguer in the Cincinnati Reds' organization. My roomie and I (both white, SoCal boys) went down to pick up two of our teammates (both black), who were rooming together. When we got to their room, we walked into a room, filled with black players, gathered to listen to the latest Richard Pryor record. I stood there, wanting to laugh, yet wondering if it was okay for me to be laughing at Pryor's liberal use of the "N-word". I was on the verge of wetting myself when my buddy, Lynn Jones (now coaching first base for the Red Sox), saw my predicament, came over and draped his arm around my shoulder and whispered, "It's okay for you to laugh, Johnny". No problem, there. RIP, Mudbone. __________________ How can you be two places at once when you're really nowhere at all?

December 11th, 2005, 06:08 PM	#16 (permalink)
Unkie Al Tele-Holic Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Denmark Age: 41 Posts: 673 26 Photos	Sad news indded... In the man's own words: *What I'm saying might be profane, but it's also profound* I will miss him... RIP Mr. Pryor __________________ My girlfriend always laughs during sex - no matter what she's reading. -- Steve Jobs

December 12th, 2005, 11:05 AM	#17 (permalink)
Geyser Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 291	I was sad to see this news. Pryor's influence is so far reaching; I bet you'd be hard-pressed to find any stand-up comedian working today who could honestly say he wasn't influenced by Pryor. He had such a bizarre and tragic life, but somehow translated all that pain and anger into some hilariously groundbreaking stuff. I guess one possible good thing to come of this will be that there will be lots of clips and tributes to him on TV for a while. I remember when comedian Mitch Hedberg died a while ago, Comedy Central aired his specials that weekend and I laughed so so so hard. Here's hoping someone will air some of his old concerts. RIP, Richard.