Richard Pryor is widely regarded as one of the most influential comedians of all time. He was a trailblazer in the world of stand-up comedy and he also had a successful career in film. In this article, we will explore the movies that Richard Pryor starred in and highlight some of his most memorable performances.
Who was Richard Pryor?
Richard Pryor was an American comedian, actor, and writer. He was born on December 1, 1940, in Peoria, Illinois.
He began his career as a stand-up comedian in the early 1960s and quickly gained fame for his irreverent style and sharp wit. Pryor’s comedy often tackled social issues such as race, politics, and drug use.
Richard Pryor’s Film Career
Pryor’s film career began in the late 1960s with small roles in movies such as “Wild in the Streets” (1968) and “The Busy Body” (1967). However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that he became a major movie star.
One of Pryor’s most memorable performances was in “Silver Streak” (1976), a comedy-thriller directed by Arthur Hiller. In this movie, Pryor played Grover Muldoon, a thief who helps Gene Wilder’s character escape from a train hijacking.
Pryor also had a starring role in “Stir Crazy” (1980), another comedy directed by Hiller. In this movie, Pryor played Skip Donahue alongside Gene Wilder once again. The two play friends who are wrongfully convicted of a crime and sent to prison.
Another notable performance from Richard Pryor came in “Brewster’s Millions” (1985), where he played Montgomery Brewster alongside John Candy. The movie is about a man who inherits a large sum of money but must spend $30 million in 30 days in order to inherit an even larger sum.
Other Movies with Richard Pryor
Richard Pryor appeared in several other movies throughout his career. Some of his notable movies include:
- “Uptown Saturday Night” (1974) – directed by Sidney Poitier
- “Car Wash” (1976) – directed by Michael Schultz
- “The Wiz” (1978) – directed by Sidney Lumet
- “Superman III” (1983) – directed by Richard Lester
- “See No Evil, Hear No Evil” (1989) – directed by Arthur Hiller
Conclusion
Richard Pryor was a comedic genius who left an indelible mark on both the world of stand-up comedy and film. He starred in many memorable movies throughout his career, including “Silver Streak,” “Stir Crazy,” and “Brewster’s Millions.” His unique perspective and irreverent style continue to inspire comedians and entertain audiences to this day.
