Richard Pryor was a highly acclaimed American stand-up comedian and actor known for his insightful observations and engaging storytelling. Considered one of the greatest comedians of all time, Pryor's influence on the world of comedy remains significant. His talent earned him numerous accolades, including an Emmy Award, five Grammy Awards, the first Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, and the Writers Guild of America Award. His legacy is cemented by his consistent ranking as one of the best stand-up comedians in various rankings, including Comedy Central's and Rolling Stone's lists.
1966: Early Years of Richard Pryor's Work
In 1966, during the early years of his career, Richard Pryor recorded material that would later be included in the Evolution/Revolution: The Early Years (1966–1974) double-CD set released in 2005. This period marked the beginning of his significant contributions to comedy.
1974: Co-writing Blazing Saddles
In 1974, Richard Pryor co-wrote the film Blazing Saddles, directed by Mel Brooks and starring Gene Wilder. Although Pryor was initially cast to play the lead role, the production studio would not insure him, leading to Cleavon Little taking the part instead.
1974: Early Years of Richard Pryor's Work
In 1974, Richard Pryor continued to record material that would later be included in the Evolution/Revolution: The Early Years (1966–1974) double-CD set released in 2005. This period was crucial in establishing his comedic legacy.
1975: Guest Host on Saturday Night Live
In 1975, Richard Pryor became the first black host on Saturday Night Live (SNL). His appearance included a controversial "word association" skit with Chevy Chase, and his longtime girlfriend Kathrine McKee made a guest appearance. This event was a significant moment in television history in 1975.
1976: Release of "Silver Streak"
"Silver Streak," a comedic thriller starring Richard Pryor, hit theaters in 1976, showcasing his versatility and comedic timing alongside Gene Wilder.
1976: Release of Bicentennial Nigger
In 1976, Richard Pryor released the album Bicentennial Nigger, which continued his streak of success. The album became his third consecutive gold album. This event marked a significant milestone in his career in 1976.
November 1977: Pryor Suffers Heart Attack
At the age of 36, in November 1977, Pryor experienced a mild heart attack, attributed to years of unhealthy habits, marking the beginning of his health challenges.
1977: Relationship with Pam Grier
In 1977, Richard Pryor began dating actress Pam Grier after being introduced by comedian Freddie Prinze. Grier helped Pryor learn to read and attempted to support him with his drug addiction. However, Pryor married another woman during their relationship.
1977: Co-hosting the 49th Academy Awards
In 1977, Richard Pryor co-hosted the 49th Academy Awards with Warren Beatty, Ellen Burstyn, and Jane Fonda. This was a significant event in his career, showcasing his talent on a prestigious platform.
1977: Premiere of The Richard Pryor Show
In 1977, Richard Pryor premiered his own variety show, The Richard Pryor Show, on NBC. Despite its innovative content, the show was cancelled after just four episodes due to its controversial subject matter. Pryor later stated that he had said all he wanted to in those four episodes.
1977: Third Grammy Award for Best Comedy Recording
In 1977, Richard Pryor won his third consecutive Grammy Award for Best Comedy Recording for his album Bicentennial Nigger. This achievement underscored his influence and success in the comedy industry at the time.
1977: Pryor Addresses Sexuality in Comedy
Pryor's early stand-up routines in 1977, including his special "Live & Smokin'" and a performance at a gay rights event, featured explicit content about his sexual experiences.
1978: Pryor Stars in "Blue Collar" and "Richard Pryor: Live in Concert"
1978 marked a significant year for Pryor with the release of "Blue Collar," a critically acclaimed drama, and "Richard Pryor: Live in Concert," capturing his raw and electrifying stage presence.
1978: Appearance in The Wiz
In 1978, Richard Pryor appeared in the film The Wiz, where Laff Records released The Wizard of Comedy album to thematically tie in with his role. This was part of Laff's ongoing strategy to leverage Pryor's fame.
1979: Pryor's Visit to Kenya
In 1979, Richard Pryor visited Kenya at the height of his success. After returning to the United States, he vowed never to use the word "nigger" in his stand-up comedy routine again. This marked a significant personal and professional transformation for Pryor in 1979.
June 9, 1980: Freebasing Incident
On June 9, 1980, Richard Pryor experienced a life-threatening freebasing incident where he set himself on fire. This incident became a part of his comedy routine later on, highlighting his ability to transform personal challenges into material for his act.
1980: Freebasing Accident
In 1980, Richard Pryor suffered a severe freebasing accident during which he doused himself in rum and set himself on fire. This incident had a profound impact on his life and career in 1980.
1980: Freebasing Incident Impact
In 1980, as a result of his freebasing incident, Richard Pryor was replaced in several projects, including an appearance on The Muppet Show. This incident had lasting effects on his career and personal life.
1980: Pryor's Success with "Stir Crazy"
"Stir Crazy," a buddy comedy pairing Pryor with Gene Wilder once again, became a box office hit in 1980, further solidifying Pryor's star power and comedic genius.
1981: Replacement in History of the World, Part I
In 1981, Richard Pryor was replaced by Gregory Hines in Mel Brooks' film History of the World, Part I due to his freebasing incident. This was a notable moment in his career challenges during that year.
1982: Relationship with Margot Kidder
In 1982, Richard Pryor dated actress Margot Kidder during the filming of Some Kind of Hero. Kidder described falling in love with Pryor quickly after they first met, marking a notable relationship in his life.
1982: Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip
In 1982, Richard Pryor incorporated his 1980 freebasing incident into his comedy show Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip. He humorously described the event, turning a personal tragedy into a comedic narrative.
1983: End of Laff Album Releases
In 1983, Laff Records ceased the practice of publishing older material to capitalize on Richard Pryor's growing fame. This marked the end of a period where Laff tied album covers thematically with Pryor's films.
1983: Co-hosting the 55th Academy Awards
In 1983, Richard Pryor co-hosted the 55th Academy Awards alongside Liza Minnelli, Dudley Moore, and Walter Matthau. This event highlighted his continued prominence in the entertainment industry.
1983: Release of Richard Pryor: Here and Now
In 1983, Richard Pryor released his concert film and album Richard Pryor: Here and Now, which he directed himself. This marked his return to stand-up comedy after his freebasing incident.
1983: Five-Year Contract with Columbia Pictures
In 1983, Richard Pryor signed a five-year contract with Columbia Pictures worth $40 million. This deal also led to the creation of his production company, Indigo Productions, marking a major career milestone.
1984: Hosting Pryor's Place
In 1984, Richard Pryor hosted a children's show on CBS called Pryor's Place. Despite his reputation for using profanity, Pryor's Place dealt with more sobering issues and featured a cast of puppets in a friendly inner-city environment. The show was cancelled shortly after its debut.
1985: Starring in Brewster's Millions
In 1985, Richard Pryor starred in the film Brewster's Millions. This film was one of the softer, more formulaic films he worked on during his contract with Columbia Pictures.
1986: SNL Hosting with Five-Second Delay
In 1986, Richard Pryor hosted Saturday Night Live and was one of only three hosts to be subjected to a five-second delay due to concerns about his use of profanity. This reflected his controversial and boundary-pushing comedic style.
1986: Pryor Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis
Pryor's health faced another setback in 1986 with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, a condition that would profoundly impact his later life and career.
1988: Starring in Moving
In 1988, Richard Pryor starred in the film Moving. This was another film produced during his contract with Columbia Pictures and reflected his continued success in the film industry.
1989: Appearance in Harlem Nights
In 1989, Richard Pryor appeared in the comedy-drama crime film Harlem Nights, which starred three generations of black comedians including Eddie Murphy and Redd Foxx. This film highlighted Pryor's continued influence in the entertainment industry.
1989: Starring in See No Evil, Hear No Evil
In 1989, Richard Pryor starred in the film See No Evil, Hear No Evil. This film was part of his continued work with Columbia Pictures and featured his comedic talent.
1990: Five-Second Delay on SNL
In 1990, Richard Pryor was one of the few Saturday Night Live hosts to be subjected to a five-second delay due to concerns about profanity. This highlighted the ongoing challenges with censorship Pryor faced in his career.
1990: Second Heart Attack
Pryor's health struggles continued with a second heart attack in 1990 while in Australia, further underscoring the seriousness of his condition.
1991: Triple Heart Bypass Surgery
In 1991, Pryor underwent triple heart bypass surgery, a significant medical procedure reflecting the ongoing efforts to manage his heart condition.
1997: Final Film Appearance in Lost Highway
In 1997, Richard Pryor made his final film appearance in David Lynch's Lost Highway, where he played an auto-repair garage manager named Arnie. By this time, Pryor used a power-operated mobility scooter due to multiple sclerosis (MS).
1998: Pryor Receives the First Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
Pryor's groundbreaking contributions to comedy were recognized in 1998 with the inaugural Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, a testament to his enduring impact.
December 1999: Last Television Appearance on The Norm Show
In December 1999, Richard Pryor made his last television appearance on an episode of The Norm Show titled "Norm vs. The Boxer." He played Mr. Johnson, an elderly man in a wheelchair who loses the rights to in-home nursing care. This marked the end of his television career.
1999: Pryor Receives PETA's Humanitarian Award
Pryor's commitment to animal rights was acknowledged in 1999 with a Humanitarian Award from PETA, recognizing his dedication to animal welfare, particularly his advocacy against the mistreatment of elephants and birds.
2000: Release of Box Set ... And It's Deep Too!
In 2000, Rhino Records remastered all of Richard Pryor's Reprise and Warner Bros. albums for inclusion in the box set ... And It's Deep Too! The Complete Warner Bros. Recordings (1968–1992), providing a comprehensive collection of his work.
2002: "The Funny Life of Richard Pryor" Documentary Airs
Airing in 2002, the television documentary "The Funny Life of Richard Pryor" offered a comprehensive look at Pryor's life and career, featuring interviews, rare footage, and insights from fellow comedians.
2002: Winning Legal Rights to Laff Material
In 2002, Richard Pryor and his wife, Jennifer Lee Pryor, won legal rights to all the Laff material, amounting to almost 40 hours of reel-to-reel analog tape. This allowed for future releases of his early work.
2003: "Richard Pryor: I Ain't Dead Yet,#*%$#@!!" Documentary Released
The 2003 documentary "Richard Pryor: I Ain't Dead Yet,#*%$#@!!" provided a unique perspective on Pryor's influence on comedy through archival footage and testimonials from prominent comedians who considered him an inspiration.
2004: Granting Access to Laff Tapes
In 2004, Jennifer Lee Pryor, with Richard Pryor's blessing, granted Rhino Records access to the Laff tapes. This led to the creation of the double-CD set Evolution/Revolution: The Early Years (1966–1974), released in 2005.
2004: Concerns Arise About Pryor's Health
In 2004, public concern grew over Pryor's declining health due to multiple sclerosis, with reports suggesting a deterioration in his condition, including the loss of his voice.
2004: Pryor Tops Comedy Central's 100 Greatest Stand-Ups List
Pryor's influence on comedy was solidified in 2004 when he was ranked number one on Comedy Central's prestigious list of the 100 Greatest Stand-ups of All Time.
January 9, 2005: Pryor Refutes Rumors About Losing His Voice
On January 9, 2005, Pryor, through his wife Jennifer Lee, publicly addressed rumors about his health, particularly denying claims that he had lost his voice due to multiple sclerosis.
February 1, 2005: Release of Evolution/Revolution: The Early Years
On February 1, 2005, Rhino Records released Evolution/Revolution: The Early Years (1966–1974), a double-CD set based on previously unreleased tapes of Richard Pryor's early work. This release was made possible after Pryor and his wife won legal rights to the Laff material in 2002.
December 19, 2005: BET Airs "The Funniest Man Dead or Alive" Special
Shortly after Pryor's passing, BET aired a special tribute titled "The Funniest Man Dead or Alive" on December 19, 2005, celebrating his life, comedy, and impact on the entertainment industry.
2005: Pryor's Death
Richard Pryor passed away in 2005, leaving behind a complex legacy as a comedian known for his raw honesty and vulnerability, even addressing his declining health in his later years.
2005: Pryor Ranked Among Greatest Comedy Acts
In 2005, Pryor received further recognition in a British poll, securing the tenth spot on the list of the greatest comedy acts ever, as voted by fellow comedians and industry professionals.
2006: Pryor Receives Posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
In recognition of his enduring impact on the world of entertainment, Pryor was posthumously honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.
2012: Pryor Featured in "Black Dynamite" Episode
In 2012, the animated series "Black Dynamite" paid homage to Pryor in the episode "Taxes and Death or Get Him to the Sunset Strip," with Eddie Griffin providing the voice for the legendary comedian.
February 2013: "A Pryor Engagement" Film Retrospective
In February 2013, "A Pryor Engagement," a retrospective of Pryor's film work focusing on the 1970s, premiered at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, highlighting his significant contributions to cinema.
February 2013: Biopic "Richard Pryor: Is It Something I Said?" Announced
Plans for a biopic about Richard Pryor's life, titled "Richard Pryor: Is It Something I Said?," were announced in February 2013, with Chris Rock and Adam Sandler attached as producers and Marlon Wayans initially set to star.
May 31, 2013: Showtime Premieres "Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic"
Showtime debuted the documentary "Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic" on May 31, 2013, offering an intimate look at Pryor's life, career, and the challenges he faced, featuring interviews with those who knew him best.
January 2014: The Weinstein Company Backs Pryor Biopic
In January 2014, The Weinstein Company announced their support for the Richard Pryor biopic, with Lee Daniels taking the helm as director, signaling a potential move towards production.
August 2014: Oprah Winfrey Joins Pryor Biopic as Producer, Mike Epps to Star
The Richard Pryor biopic gained further momentum in August 2014 with Oprah Winfrey joining as a producer and Mike Epps being cast as the lead, generating anticipation for the project.
2014: Publication of "Becoming Richard Pryor"
In 2014, Scott Saul's biography, "Becoming Richard Pryor," asserted Pryor's bisexuality, sparking debate about the comedian's personal life.
May 1, 2015: Bronze Statue of Pryor Erected in Peoria
On May 1, 2015, a bronze statue honoring Richard Pryor was installed in his hometown of Peoria, Illinois, symbolizing his lasting impact and legacy.
May 3, 2015: Unveiling of Pryor Statue
The bronze statue of Richard Pryor, titled "Richard Pryor: More than Just a Comedian," was officially unveiled on May 3, 2015, in Peoria, Illinois, becoming a landmark tribute to the iconic comedian.
2018: Claims About Pryor's Bisexuality Resurface
Quincy Jones and Pryor's widow, Jennifer Lee, reignited discussions about Pryor's sexuality in 2018, alleging a relationship with Marlon Brando and openness about his bisexuality, claims disputed by Pryor's daughter.
March 12, 2019: "I Am Richard Pryor" Documentary Premieres
The Paramount Network premiered "I Am Richard Pryor," a documentary exploring the comedian's life and legacy, on March 12, 2019, featuring insights from fellow comedians and those close to him.
2019: Pryor's Ashes Scattered in Hawaii
In 2019, Pryor's widow scattered his ashes in Hana Bay, Hawaii, providing a poignant closure to the comedian's life and legacy.
May 2022: Pryor Inducted into the National Comedy Center
In May 2022, Pryor's legacy was further cemented with his induction into the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York, as part of the Netflix special "The Hall: Honoring the Greats of Stand-Up."