I missed this earlier, one of America’s break through Rag’s to Riches comics has died aged 65; and to be honest with everything he put his body through I’m amazed that his heart lasted this long (he died of a heart attack).

He was one of the best black American stand up’s of the 70’s and also made some very funy movies in the 80’s after signing a $40,000,000 5 year movie contract with Columbia.

Richard Pryor was a long time sufferer of Multiple Sclerosis after being diagnosed in 1986. He was also a famous drink and drug user (in 1980 he famously set himself alite freebasing cocaine).

He has not done anything in a good while now (his last apearance on screen was 1997 in Lost Highway), however if you have not watched his stand up I recomend getting hold of the recently released Evolution/Revolution CD set (his early work) or the equaly genius Richard Pryor: Live in Concert.

Goodbye Richard, comedy will miss you.

Link to IMDB article