Richard Pryor

Richard Pryor

1940-12-01 Peoria, Illinois, USA 91 Credits

Biography

Richard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor was an American stand-up comedian, actor, film director, social critic, satirist, writer, and MC. Pryor was known for uncompromising examinations of racism and topical contemporary issues, which employed colorful vulgarities, and profanity, as well as racial epithets. He reached a broad audience with his trenchant observations and storytelling style. He is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential stand-up comedians of all time: receiving ...

Known For

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Complete Filmography

Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution

Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution

2024

as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)

6.2
Acting

This rapturous documentary steps into the dynamic world of queer stand-up and examines the powerful cultural influence it has had on social change in ...

Remembering Gene Wilder

Remembering Gene Wilder

2024

as Self (archive footage)

7.2
Acting

This loving tribute to Gene Wilder celebrates his life and legacy as the comic genius behind an extraordinary string of film roles, from his first col...

Zeitgeist: Requiem

Zeitgeist: Requiem

2024

as Self (archive footage)

Acting

In the fourth installment of the Zeitgeist series, director Peter Joseph explorers the fundamental incompatibility of our economy and the culture it h...

Betye Saar: Drifting Toward Twilight

Betye Saar: Drifting Toward Twilight

2023

Acting

"Betye Saar: Drifting Toward Twilight" covers renowned American artist Betye Saar’s large-scale work “Drifting Toward Twilight”— commissioned by The H...

Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank

Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank

2022

Original Film Writer

6.6
Writing

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 vil...

The Hall: Honoring the Greats of Stand-Up

The Hall: Honoring the Greats of Stand-Up

2022

as Self (archive footage)

6.3
Acting

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

Live at Mister Kelly's

Live at Mister Kelly's

2021

as Self (archive footage)

Acting

The iconic Mister Kelly’s bedazzled the country by launching superstars like Barbra Streisand, Richard Pryor, Bette Midler, and Steve Martin. It smash...

The Last Days of Richard Pryor

The Last Days of Richard Pryor

2020

as Himself

10.0
Acting

A two-hour television special on the life of Richard Pryor featuring interviews by those close to him, focusing on his contributions to standup comedy...

I Am Richard Pryor

I Am Richard Pryor

2019

as Self - Actor and Comedian (archive footage)

6.9
Acting

The life story of Richard Pryor (1940-2005), the legendary performer and iconic social satirist who transcended racial and social barriers with his ho...

Richard Pryor: Icon

Richard Pryor: Icon

2014

as Self (archive footage)

6.2
Acting

Richard Pryor's impact on the craft of comedy and today's top comics is legendary and unrivaled. This program surveys the profound and enduring influe...

And the Oscar Goes To...

And the Oscar Goes To...

2014

as Self (archive footage)

7.0
Acting

The story of the gold-plated statuette that became the film industry's most coveted prize, AND THE OSCAR GOES TO... traces the history of the Academy ...

Mel Brooks: Make a Noise

Mel Brooks: Make a Noise

2013

as Self (archive footage)

8.2
Acting

Mel Brooks: Make a Noise journeys through Brooks’ early years in the creative beginnings of live television — with Sid Caesar on Your Show of Shows — ...

Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic

Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic

2013

as Self (archive footage)

7.1
Acting

Mike Epps, Richard Pryor Jr. and others recount the culture-defining influence of Richard Pryor - one of America's most brilliant, iconic comic minds.

Black and White Trypps Number Four

2008

5.8
Acting

Using a 35mm strip of motion picture slug featuring the recently deceased American comedian Richard Pryor, this extended Rorschach assault on the eyes...

Cutting Edge Comedians of the '60s & '70s

2007

as Self (archive footage)

Acting

In the late 1950s, a fresh, unconventional style of standup comedy emerged in sharp contrast to the standard "Take my wife, please" approach. It tackl...

The N Word

The N Word

2006

as Self (archive footage)

6.6
Acting

An exploration of the history of the word throughout its inception to present day. Woven into the narrative are poetry, music, and commentary from cel...

101 Most Shocking Moments in Entertainment

101 Most Shocking Moments in Entertainment

2003

Acting

From Disturbing Discoveries to Astonishing Arressts, and Tragic Endings. In this tv-special, E! countdowns the greatest moments in the entertainment i...

Richard Pryor: I Ain't Dead Yet, #*%$#@!!

Richard Pryor: I Ain't Dead Yet, #*%$#@!!

2003

as Self (archive footage)

8.0
Acting

This documentary praises comedian Richard Pryor by showing fragments of various shows Pryor made and having famous comedians talk about the importance...

A Huey P. Newton Story

A Huey P. Newton Story

2001

as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)

5.1
Acting

The story of how the radical Huey P. Newton developed the Black Panther Party based on his 10-point program for social reform.

Me, Myself & Irene

Me, Myself & Irene

2000

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

6.6
Acting

Rhode Island State Trooper Charlie Baileygates has a multiple personality disorder. One personality is crazy and aggressive, while the other is more f...

Sam Kinison: Why Did We Laugh?

Sam Kinison: Why Did We Laugh?

1999

as Self

6.0
Acting

For fans of comedy, Sam Kinison needs no introduction. His scathing comedy tackled tough topics no other comedian dared to touch. Fed up and disenfran...

Blacks and Jews

Blacks and Jews

1997

as Self

6.0
Acting

This documentary attempts to go beyond the sensationalized media coverage and the stereotypes to examine several key conflicts from the point of view ...

Afro Promo

Afro Promo

1997

as Self (archive footage)

Acting

Co-curated by Jenni Olson and the late Black gay activist Karl Knapper, this entertaining showcase of vintage movie trailers traces the evolution of A...

Lost Highway

Lost Highway

1997

as Arnie

7.5
Acting

A tormented jazz musician finds himself lost in an enigmatic story involving murder, surveillance, gangsters, doppelgängers, and an impossible transfo...

Mad Dog Time

Mad Dog Time

1996

as Jimmy the Gravedigger

5.3
Acting

With his boss in the madhouse, a mobster is temporary boss of the criminal empire just as vicious rivals threaten the control of the empire.

But... Seriously

1994

as Self (archive footage)

10.0
Acting

A documentary juxtaposing the events of the 20th century with the commentary of stand-up comedians.

The Three Muscatels

The Three Muscatels

1991

as Narrator / Wino / Bartender

Acting

Donna Bon Viant (Belaine) is a college student, who has to complete an assignment on the 14th century for her African American literature class. She c...

Another You

Another You

1991

as Eddie Dash

5.4
Acting

George has been in a mental hospital for 3 years and is finally ready to go out into the real world again. Eddie Dash, a dedicated con-man, is suppose...

Sammy Davis, Jr. 60th Anniversary Celebration

1990

as Self

8.8
Acting

Celebrating Sammy Davis Jr 's 60th anniversary in show business, including musical,comic and dancing performers.

Harlem Nights

Harlem Nights

1989

as Sugar Ray

6.1
Acting

'Sugar' Ray is the owner of an illegal casino and must contend with the pressure of vicious gangsters and corrupt police who want to see him go out of...

See No Evil, Hear No Evil

See No Evil, Hear No Evil

1989

as Wallace 'Wally' Karue

6.7
Acting

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, ...

Moving

Moving

1988

as Arlo Pear

5.6
Acting

Arlo accepts what seems to him to be a dream promotion to Idaho. He soon discovers, however, that moving has its own share of problems.

Critical Condition

Critical Condition

1987

as Eddie Lenahan/Dr. Kevin Slattery

5.5
Acting

Eddie is a con artist. When he's framed and comes before a judge, he hopes to get off the hook by climbing insanity—but instead ends up in a hospital ...

Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling

Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling

1986

as Jo Jo Dancer / Alter Ego

6.5
Acting

Although Jo Jo Dancer has achieved success as a stand-up comedian, he hasn't found happiness. After receiving severe burns in a narcotics-related inci...

Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling

Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling

1986

Screenplay, Director, Producer

6.5
Writing Directing Producing

Although Jo Jo Dancer has achieved success as a stand-up comedian, he hasn't found happiness. After receiving severe burns in a narcotics-related inci...

TV's Funniest Comedians - 14 Stars Do Classic Routines

TV's Funniest Comedians - 14 Stars Do Classic Routines

1986

as Self

Acting

A compilation film of stand up performances and comedy routines featuring some of the biggest stars in the early years of television. This film was di...

The Making of 'Superman III'

The Making of 'Superman III'

1985

as Self

6.7
Acting

This documentary treats movie fans to a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Superman III, a more comical take on the superhero story in which the ...

Brewster's Millions

Brewster's Millions

1985

as Montgomery Brewster

6.6
Acting

Monty Brewster, an aging minor-league baseball player, stands to inherit $300 million if he can successfully spend $30 million in 30 days without anyt...

Richard Pryor: Here and Now

Richard Pryor: Here and Now

1983

as Self

6.6
Acting

One of comedian Richard Pryor's later stand-up performances. As foul-mouthed as ever, Pryor touches on most of the same topics as in his previous live...

Richard Pryor: Here and Now

Richard Pryor: Here and Now

1983

Director, Writer

6.6
Directing Writing

One of comedian Richard Pryor's later stand-up performances. As foul-mouthed as ever, Pryor touches on most of the same topics as in his previous live...

Superman III

Superman III

1983

as August 'Gus' Gorman

5.5
Acting

Aiming to defeat the Man of Steel, wealthy executive Ross Webster hires bumbling but brilliant Gus Gorman to develop synthetic kryptonite, which yield...

Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever

Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever

1983

as Self

8.5
Acting

Television special taped before a live studio audience at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California on March 25, 1983, and broadcast on NB...

The Toy

The Toy

1982

as Jack Brown

5.9
Acting

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. Eri...

Some Kind of Hero

Some Kind of Hero

1982

as Cpl. Eddie Keller / Ted Segal

5.6
Acting

A Vietnam vet returns home from a prisoner of war camp and is greeted as a hero, but is quickly forgotten and soon discovers how tough survival is in ...

Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip

Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip

1982

as Self

7.3
Acting

Richard Pryor's stand-up act includes his frank discussion about his freebasing addiction, as well as the infamous night on June 9, 1980 that he caugh...

Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip

Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip

1982

Producer, Writer

7.3
Producing Writing

Richard Pryor's stand-up act includes his frank discussion about his freebasing addiction, as well as the infamous night on June 9, 1980 that he caugh...

Bustin' Loose

Bustin' Loose

1981

as Joe Braxton

6.1
Acting

After ex-con Joe Braxton violates his probation, he is given a second chance. All he has to do is drive a group of special kids across the country.

Bustin' Loose

Bustin' Loose

1981

Story, Producer

6.1
Writing Producing

After ex-con Joe Braxton violates his probation, he is given a second chance. All he has to do is drive a group of special kids across the country.

Stir Crazy

Stir Crazy

1980

as Harry Monroe

6.5
Acting

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...

In God We Tru$t

In God We Tru$t

1980

as G.O.D.

6.2
Acting

A naive monk, named Brother Ambrose, is sent by the abbot on a mission to raise $5,000 in order to save their monastery from closing. He goes to Holly...

Wholly Moses

Wholly Moses

1980

as Pharaoh

4.7
Acting

Harvey and Zoey, two tourists in Israel, discover an ancient scroll about Herschel, the man who was almost Moses. Herschel receives the command from G...

The Muppet Movie

The Muppet Movie

1979

as Balloon Vendor

7.2
Acting

The Muppets gather to watch their newly-finished big-budget rich-and-famous feature film: a talent agent persuades Kermit the Frog to leave the swamp ...

A Walking Tour of Sesame Street

A Walking Tour of Sesame Street

1979

as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)

Acting

Sesame Street celebrated its 10th anniversary in the spring of 1979 with a half-hour PBS special hosted by James Earl Jones titled A Walking Tour of S...

Richard Pryor: Live in Concert

Richard Pryor: Live in Concert

1979

as Self

7.4
Acting

Richard Pryor delivers monologues on race, sex, family and his favorite target—himself, live at the Terrace Theatre in Long Beach, California.

Richard Pryor: Live in Concert

Richard Pryor: Live in Concert

1979

Writer

7.4
Writing

Richard Pryor delivers monologues on race, sex, family and his favorite target—himself, live at the Terrace Theatre in Long Beach, California.

California Suite

California Suite

1978

as Dr. Chauncey Gump

5.8
Acting

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

The Wiz

The Wiz

1978

as The Wiz

6.0
Acting

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

Blue Collar

Blue Collar

1978

as Ezekiel 'Zeke' Brown

7.4
Acting

Fed up with mistreatment at the hands of both management and union brass, and coupled with financial hardships on each man's end, three auto assembly ...

Which Way Is Up?

Which Way Is Up?

1977

as Leroy Jones / Rufus Jones / Rev. Lenox Thomas

6.1
Acting

Orange picker Leroy Jones inadvertently becomes a union leader and is forced out of town, leaving behind his sex-obsessed father, Rufus, and timid spo...

The Richard Pryor show Volume 2

The Richard Pryor show Volume 2

1977

as Self

Acting
The Richard Pryor Show Volume I

The Richard Pryor Show Volume I

1977

6.0
Acting
Greased Lightning

Greased Lightning

1977

as Wendell Scott

6.3
Acting

The true life story of Wendell Scott, the first black stock car racing driver to win an upper-tier NASCAR race.

The Richard Pryor Special?

The Richard Pryor Special?

1977

as Self / Various

7.0
Acting

Richard Pryor wanders around the NBC Studio, encountering various eccentrics. Meanwhile, the Reverend James L. White, the Ugandan dictator Idi Amin Da...

The Richard Pryor Special?

The Richard Pryor Special?

1977

Writer

7.0
Writing

Richard Pryor wanders around the NBC Studio, encountering various eccentrics. Meanwhile, the Reverend James L. White, the Ugandan dictator Idi Amin Da...

Silver Streak

Silver Streak

1976

as Grover Muldoon

6.7
Acting

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 ...

Car Wash

Car Wash

1976

as Daddy Rich

6.0
Acting

This day-in-the-life cult comedy focuses on a group of friends working at Sully Boyar's Car Wash in the Los Angeles ghetto. The team meets dozens of e...

The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings

The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings

1976

as Charlie Snow

6.1
Acting

Top baseball pitcher Bingo Long is fed up with how his Negro League team owner treats him, so he forms his own lineup, recruiting big-hitting Leon Car...

Adiós Amigo

Adiós Amigo

1975

as Sam Spade

3.0
Acting

Two incompetent Western outlaws engineer several failed crimes, including a botched stagecoach holdup. Fred Williamson, a tough-guy perennial in blaxp...

Carter's Army

Carter's Army

1975

as Pvt. Jonathan Crunk

4.0
Acting

A racist officer is put in charge of an all-black squad of troops charged with the mission of blowing up an important hydro-dam in Nazi Germany. Their...

The Lion Roars Again

1975

as Self

Acting

A chronicle of the 1975 International Press Conclave hosted by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer over two days in May 1975.

Flip Wilson... Of Course

Flip Wilson... Of Course

1974

as Self

Acting

Flip Wilson's stand-up special.

Uptown Saturday Night

Uptown Saturday Night

1974

as Sharp Eye Washington

6.1
Acting

Two blue-collar buddies search the underworld for a winning lottery ticket lost in a nightclub holdup.

Blazing Saddles

Blazing Saddles

1974

Screenplay

7.2
Writing

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 h...

Juke and Opal

Juke and Opal

1973

as Juke

Acting

“WINTER, 1973. Late afternoon: the entr'acte between dusk and darkness, when the people who conduct their business in the street -- numbers runners in...

Some Call It Loving

Some Call It Loving

1973

as Jeff

4.9
Acting

A jazz musician falls in love with a comatose woman at a carny sideshow and takes her to his mansion to join his cabinet of sexual curiosities.

Lily

Lily

1973

Acting

TV special starring Lily Tomlin

Lily

Lily

1973

Writer

Writing

TV special starring Lily Tomlin

Hit!

Hit!

1973

as Mike Willmer

5.8
Acting

A federal agent whose daughter dies of a heroin overdose is determined to destroy the drug ring that supplied her. He recruits various people whose li...

The Mack

The Mack

1973

as Slim

6.5
Acting

Goldie returns from five years at the state pen and winds up king of the pimping game. Trouble comes in the form of two corrupt white cops and a crime...

Wattstax

Wattstax

1973

as Self

6.8
Acting

A documentary film about the Afro-American Woodstock concert held in Los Angeles seven years after the Watts riots. Director Mel Stuart mixes footage ...

Lady Sings the Blues

Lady Sings the Blues

1972

as Piano Man

6.9
Acting

Chronicles the rise and fall of legendary blues singer Billie Holiday, beginning with her traumatic youth. The story depicts her early attempts at a s...

You've Got To Walk It Like You Talk It or You'll Lose That Beat

You've Got To Walk It Like You Talk It or You'll Lose That Beat

1971

as Wino

8.5
Acting

This oddball counterculture comedy/drama follows Zalman King through a series of kooky misadventures while he searches for his life's purpose in New Y...

Richard Pryor: Live and Smokin'

Richard Pryor: Live and Smokin'

1971

as Self

6.4
Acting

Richard Pryor: Live & Smokin' is the first stand-up act of Richard Pryor to be filmed out of the four that were released in total. This film was f...

Richard Pryor: Live and Smokin'

Richard Pryor: Live and Smokin'

1971

Writer

6.4
Writing

Richard Pryor: Live & Smokin' is the first stand-up act of Richard Pryor to be filmed out of the four that were released in total. This film was f...

Dynamite Chicken

Dynamite Chicken

1971

as Self

5.4
Acting

A collection of subversive comedy sketches and routines relating to the peace movement.

The Phynx

The Phynx

1970

as Richard Pryor

3.5
Acting

A rock band is invented by the government as a cover to find hostages in a remote castle in Albania held by communist enemies of the USA.

The Young Lawyers

The Young Lawyers

1969

as Otis Tucker

Acting

Attorney Michael Cannon leaves his Boston law firm to become director of the Neighborhood Law Office, where he guides three law students on a case inv...

Uncle Tom's Fairy Tales

Uncle Tom's Fairy Tales

1969

Acting

A white man goes on trial for having raped a black woman.

Uncle Tom's Fairy Tales

Uncle Tom's Fairy Tales

1969

Writer

Writing

A white man goes on trial for having raped a black woman.

Wild in the Streets

Wild in the Streets

1968

as Stanley X

6.0
Acting

Musician Max Frost lends his backing to a Senate candidate who wants to give 18-year-olds the right to vote, but he takes things a step further than e...

The Busy Body

The Busy Body

1967

as Whittaker

7.1
Acting

Sid Caesar is a bumbling gopher to a mob boss who must recover a fortune in cash stowed in the suit of a corpse.