Arguably the funniest, foulest, and most influential comedian of the baby boomer generation passed away today after a long battle with multiple sclerosis.
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Richard Pryor, the caustic yet perceptive actor-comedian who lived dangerously close to the edge both on stage and off, died Saturday. He was 65.For my money there was no one funnier.Pryor died shortly before 8 a.m. of a heart attack after being taken to a hospital from his home in the San Fernando Valley, said his business manager, Karen Finch. He had been ill for years with multiple sclerosis, a degenerative disease of the nervous system.
"He did not suffer, he went quickly and at the end there was a smile on his face," his wife, Jennifer Pryor, said. "I'm honored now that I have an opportunity to protect and continue his legacy because he's a very, very, very amazing man and he opened doors to so many people."
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Comments (21)
I'm sorry to hear that. The... (Below threshold)1. Posted by MM | December 10, 2005 7:42 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I'm sorry to hear that. There was a stretch of 3 or 4 years that Pryor was absolutely untouchable. Gosh, he'd have us in stitches.
1. Posted by MM | December 10, 2005 7:42 PM |
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Posted on December 10, 2005 19:42
2. Posted by jmaster | December 10, 2005 8:56 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Agreed. He was the best.
If there is a God, I hope he has a sense of humor. Richard suffered enough in this life.
2. Posted by jmaster | December 10, 2005 8:56 PM |
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Posted on December 10, 2005 20:56
3. Posted by BoDiddly | December 10, 2005 9:26 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I have such fond memories of Pryor in his "glory days." It was really hard watching his health decline over the past decade, especially knowing that he had shaken the drug habit that nearly ended his career. I was in hopes that he would be entertaining well into his senior years, like George Burns and Bob Hope. Alas, maybe things were getting dull in heaven.
3. Posted by BoDiddly | December 10, 2005 9:26 PM |
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Posted on December 10, 2005 21:26
4. Posted by Peter F. | December 10, 2005 10:38 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Aw, man, this is really sad. And you know what immediately comes to mind?
"Dracula? What kind of name is that for a nigga?"
'What's up with your teef, fool?"
Laughter!
God rest and bless you, Richard. You were one of the best.
4. Posted by Peter F. | December 10, 2005 10:38 PM |
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Posted on December 10, 2005 22:38
5. Posted by OregonMuse | December 11, 2005 12:05 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
RIP Mr. Pryor.
I'm actually surprised he lasted this long. What with his history of drug use and then MS, his body took quite a pounding. I think it's remarkable he lived to be 65.
5. Posted by OregonMuse | December 11, 2005 12:05 AM |
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Posted on December 11, 2005 00:05
6. Posted by -S- | December 11, 2005 12:23 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
"Honkey, HONKEY!" had me laughing to the point of tears.
RIP, Richard Pryor.
6. Posted by -S- | December 11, 2005 12:23 AM |
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Posted on December 11, 2005 00:23
7. Posted by gigglechick | December 11, 2005 1:23 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
he's headlining tonight at the Pearly Gates Comedy Club... opening acts are Bill Hicks, Sam Kineson and Mitch Hedberg
7. Posted by gigglechick | December 11, 2005 1:23 AM |
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Posted on December 11, 2005 01:23
8. Posted by CraigC | December 11, 2005 2:44 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
"What in the fuck is that funky smell? Smells like shit in here! Some devilish shit at that! Put your clothes on....and get the cross outchur pussy, bitch....we havin' compny!"
Don't you love AP? "Caustic but perceptive?" Huh? I wasn't aware those two things were mutually exclusive. In fact, I'd say they usually go together.
8. Posted by CraigC | December 11, 2005 2:44 AM |
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Posted on December 11, 2005 02:44
9. Posted by Man | December 11, 2005 3:37 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Hm-m-m....good
9. Posted by Man | December 11, 2005 3:37 AM |
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Posted on December 11, 2005 03:37
10. Posted by kyle newhall | December 11, 2005 1:22 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
richard pryor is the funniest man that ever lived and he has infleuenced hundreds of comedians and touched the lives of millions
10. Posted by kyle newhall | December 11, 2005 1:22 PM |
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Posted on December 11, 2005 13:22
11. Posted by Bill | December 11, 2005 3:39 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I remember the day he caught on fire and came running out to the street,We livied 4 houes over and I will say he was RUNNING!!!! But I still have to say ,funniest man ever to touch a stage,Be well my friend Rich" God has other plans,Your old friendly Pal, Billy
11. Posted by Bill | December 11, 2005 3:39 PM |
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Posted on December 11, 2005 15:39
12. Posted by jason | December 11, 2005 4:29 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
one of the funniest men to ever live, he single handedly got me into stand up comedy. Who else turns a trajic moment into one of the best comedy routines of all time. WE will all miss you and never forget the things you did for comedy as a whole, rest in peace you funny bastard you, rest in peace.
"I've seen better faces on iodine bottles."
12. Posted by jason | December 11, 2005 4:29 PM |
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Posted on December 11, 2005 16:29
13. Posted by Torrey | December 11, 2005 5:23 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
What can I say about such an amazing man.
He will be missed by all, even the ones that don't think they will miss him, will miss him.
13. Posted by Torrey | December 11, 2005 5:23 PM |
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Posted on December 11, 2005 17:23
14. Posted by Paul | December 11, 2005 5:45 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Richard Pryor was THE GREATEST comedian ever and an inspiration to soo many people. His comedy was hilarious, yet thought provoking. He will truly be missed.
That was one funny motherfucker...
14. Posted by Paul | December 11, 2005 5:45 PM |
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Posted on December 11, 2005 17:45
15. Posted by Terry Osman | December 11, 2005 6:25 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Right now while I'm writing this I'm actually listening to his stand up comedy act. He will be truely missed. He has made my laugh a many of time and sure that goes for the same for millions of people around the world. Richard Pryor will always be in our hearts.
15. Posted by Terry Osman | December 11, 2005 6:25 PM |
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Posted on December 11, 2005 18:25
16. Posted by Shriner Steve | December 11, 2005 7:30 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Richard Pryor is the best that ever was. He made his struggles our laughter and there is no higher form of giving than that.
16. Posted by Shriner Steve | December 11, 2005 7:30 PM |
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Posted on December 11, 2005 19:30
17. Posted by Letrisse Willie | December 11, 2005 7:31 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
God Bless Richard Pryor. I cried when I heard the news. I was just watching Jo Jo Dancer, last night! Pulled it from hundreds of movies to watch. I love Richard Pryor, he is a true pioneer, and the greatest comedian this world will ever see! You will be missed Richard! My prayers go out to your loved ones and family.
God Bless.
Letrisse
17. Posted by Letrisse Willie | December 11, 2005 7:31 PM |
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Posted on December 11, 2005 19:31
18. Posted by Lori Casey | December 11, 2005 7:48 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Richard made me laugh probably more than any other comedian. I remember staying up late and watching his many helarious movies. May he live forever in the memories of all who loved him. God Bless.
Lori
18. Posted by Lori Casey | December 11, 2005 7:48 PM |
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Posted on December 11, 2005 19:48
19. Posted by jack rudd | December 11, 2005 9:07 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Being 65, he was not a baby boomer. The oldest baby boomers are currently 59.
19. Posted by jack rudd | December 11, 2005 9:07 PM |
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Posted on December 11, 2005 21:07
20. Posted by Dave | December 11, 2005 11:56 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
From "Some Kind of Hero"
VC - Prison guard
"Who is Mr Meoff?"
Richard Prior's character
"Sorry, I forgot the first name. It's Jack., Jack MeOff!
Will be missed.
20. Posted by Dave | December 11, 2005 11:56 PM |
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Posted on December 11, 2005 23:56
21. Posted by Alex | December 12, 2005 5:10 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
"We are gathered here today ... on this ... most sowwwful occasion .... to put to rest the dearly departed. He was dearly, and he is departed. That's why we call him 'the dearly departed.' In otha words, the ni**a dead."
21. Posted by Alex | December 12, 2005 5:10 PM |
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Posted on December 12, 2005 17:10