Richard Pryor
Acting
Born December 1, 1940 · Peoria, Illinois, USA
Richard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor (December 1, 1940 – December 10, 2005) 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 praise from notable comedians such as Jerry Seinfeld, Bob Newhart, and Bill Cosby. His body of work includes the concert movies and recordings starting in the 70s and spanning three decades. He also starred in numerous films as an actor, in both comedic and dramatic roles. He collaborated on many projects with actor Gene Wilder and actor/comedian/writer Paul Mooney. Pryor won an Emmy Award (1973), and five Grammy Awards (1974, 1975, 1976, 1981, and 1982). In 1974, he also won two American Academy of Humor awards and the Writers Guild of America Award. The first ever Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor was presented to him in 1998. Pryor is listed at Number 1 on Comedy Central's list of all-time greatest stand-up comedians.
Acting (80)
Breakdown: 1975
2025
I'm Chevy Chase and You're Not
2025
John Candy: I Like Me
2025
Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution
2024
Remembering Gene Wilder
2024
Zeitgeist: Requiem
2024
Betye Saar: Drifting Toward Twilight
2023
The Hall: Honoring the Greats of Stand-Up
2022
The Last Days of Richard Pryor
2020
I Am Richard Pryor
2019
Richard Pryor: Icon
2014
Mel Brooks: Make a Noise
2013
Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic
2013
Black and White Trypps Number Four
2008
Cutting Edge Comedians of the '60s & '70s
2007
The N Word
2006
101 Most Shocking Moments in Entertainment
2003
Richard Pryor: I Ain't Dead Yet, #*%$#@!!
2003
A Huey P. Newton Story
2001
Me, Myself & Irene
2000
Sam Kinison: Why Did We Laugh?
1999
Blacks and Jews
1997
Afro Promo
1997
Lost Highway
1997
Mad Dog Time
1996
But... Seriously
1994
The Three Muscatels
1991
Another You
1991
Sammy Davis, Jr. 60th Anniversary Celebration
1990
Harlem Nights
1989
See No Evil, Hear No Evil
1989
Moving
1988
Critical Condition
1987
Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling
1986
TV's Funniest Comedians - 14 Stars Do Classic Routines
1986
The Making of 'Superman III'
1985
Brewster's Millions
1985
Richard Pryor: Here and Now
1983
Superman III
1983
Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever
1983
The Toy
1982
Some Kind of Hero
1982
Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip
1982
Bustin' Loose
1981
Stir Crazy
1980
In God We Tru$t
1980
Wholly Moses
1980
The Muppet Movie
1979
A Walking Tour of Sesame Street
1979
Richard Pryor: Live in Concert
1979
The Wiz
1978
California Suite
1978
Blue Collar
1978
Which Way Is Up?
1977
The Richard Pryor show Volume 2
1977
Greased Lightning
1977
The Richard Pryor Special?
1977
Silver Streak
1976
Car Wash
1976
The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings
1976
Adiós Amigo
1975
Carter's Army
1975
The Lion Roars Again
1975
Flip Wilson... Of Course
1974
Uptown Saturday Night
1974
Juke and Opal
1973
Some Call It Loving
1973
Lily
1973
Hit!
1973
The Mack
1973
Wattstax
1973
Lady Sings the Blues
1972
You've Got To Walk It Like You Talk It or You'll Lose That Beat
1971
Richard Pryor: Live and Smokin'
1971
Dynamite Chicken
1971
The Phynx
1970
The Young Lawyers
1969
Uncle Tom's Fairy Tales
1969
Wild in the Streets
1968
The Busy Body
1967