RIP Richard Pryor

Website · Post by **brian** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 9:21 am

LOS ANGELES - Richard Pryor startled audiences with his foul-mouthed routines, but his universal and frequently personal insights propelled him into one of Hollywood's biggest stars.

The pioneering comedian, whose audacious style influenced generations of standup artists, died Saturday of a heart attack at age 65, said his business manager, Karen Finch. He had been ill for years with multiple sclerosis, a degenerative disease of the nervous system.

"By expressing his heart, anger and joy, Richard Pryor took comedy to its highest form," Steve Martin said.

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Xjmt · Post by **Xjmt** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 9:29 am

He was a very funny man. But I saw portions of some performances when he must have been strung out on drugs and he was terrible.

I do sometimes wonder why so many comics get their comedy from hurt and rage they feel in their own lives? In any case he's at peace now. I hope.