December 12, 2005
Richard Pryor, 1940-2005
Richard Pryor, one of the most influential comedians of his generation passed away on Saturday. Pryor began his career as a stand-up comic in the early 1960s. As his career began to take off, he began to be dissatisfied with his act. With his first comedy album in 1967, he introduced the new tone of his act, with which he made his mark. During the 70s he made numerous television appearances. He also appeared in over 40 movies beginning in the late 1960s.
Books By and About Pryor
Richard Pryor with Todd Gold. Pryor Convictions: And Other Life Sentences
Richard Pryor?s life story is one of the most controversial and shocking of any performer in American history. Raised in the bars and whorehouses of Peoria, where he gained first-hand knowledge of racism and hypocrisy, he toiled for years as a bland Cosby clone before finding his true voice as one of America?s most brilliant comedians ? and one of its most profound, and profane, social critics. At the apex of his career ? one of Hollywood?s biggest stars, and one of the most influential black men in the world ? it all came tumbling down in a maelstrom of drugs, multiple marriages, heart attacks, violence, and suicide attempts, finally ending in a notorious incident where he lit himself on fire while freebasing cocaine. Pryor Convictions tells the uncensored story of the man behind the myth. Written in Pryor?s own words, this human and compelling account is like the man himself: raw, funny, fearless, and completely unforgettable.
John Alfred Williams & Dennis A. Williams. If I Stop I'll Die: The Comedy and Tragedy of Richard Pryor
an incisive examination of the comedian's life & humor by the renowned African-American writer John A. Williams & the novelist & former Newsweek editor Dennis A Williams. This biography not only reveals details of Pryor's troubled but brilliant career, but also places these events within the context that shaped Pryor's outlook, personality, & opportunities.
Performances by Pryor
Hey That's Funny
Stand-up comedy from various performers including Richard Pryor's Discipline. CD
Laughs
Larry King hosts some of the funniest moments from his radio show. Cassette
Motown 25 (1983)
An all-star reunion that spotlights performances by the biggest acts to come out of Detroit, a look behind the scenes at the songwriters, and a tribute to Barry Gordy.
Richard Pryor Live in Concert (1979)
Rated R
A Select Filmography
Harlem Nights (1989)
Eddie Murphy stars as Quick who has a scheme to keep mobsters from muscling in on the 1930s Harlem hot spot Club Sugar Ray. R
See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989)
Meet Wally and Dave--Wally is blind, Dave is deaf, and now they're both prime suspects in a murder they didn't commit. R
Superman III (1983)
Superman III reveals the answer and adds a third all-star chapter to the amazing adventures of Superman. Gus Gorman (Pryor) is a genial half-wit who just happens to be a natural-born genius at computer programming. In his hands, a computer keyboard turns into a deadly weapon and soon, Superman faces the microelectronic menace of his career. PG
Stir Crazy (1980)
Two zany drifters are mistakenly sent to prison for a robbery they didn't commit. They must rely on their wits in order to survive a sadistic warden, a hulking mass-murderer and worst of all, the inter-prison rodeo. R
Neil Simon's California Suite (1978)
The story of five couples who have come to the Beverly Hills Hotel for diverse reasons. They must all confront personal dilemmas. PG
The Wiz (1978)
A discontented kindergarten teacher living in Harlem is lost in a blizzard and comes upon the wonderland of Oz. There she meets new friends, tries to find her way home, and finds that her life is not so bad after all. G
Which Way Is Up? (1977)
The story of an orange picker who accidentally becomes a union hero and leaves his wife and family at home while he seeks work in Los Angeles where he finds a new woman and starts a second family. Richard Pryor plays three roles. R
Silver Streak (1976)
A wild action comedy about a murder mystery aboard a cross-country train. PG
The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings (1976)A group of independent renegade players travel around the Midwest looking for that big home run while playing baseball in the 1930s Negro League. PG
Posted by Grace at December 12, 2005 12:39 PM
