One of the funniest comedians to come along, Richard Pryor is a comedic genius. For about 30 years Richard held his audiences in stitches. He made people laugh about subjects that were once taboo and some still are. His humorous stories about life and people gave way to sold out venues every place he appeared. Richard also co-wrote and appeared in numerous movies. He also recorded a number of standup albums that people still sneak and listen to.
Richard Pryor was born December1, 1940, in Peoria, IL. Gertrude Thomas and Leroy Pryor were his parents. Marie Carter was his paternal grandmother. Marie raised him in the brothel she managed when he was still a young boy. Marie Carter loved her grandson and did the best she could, he loved and respected her. Richard was born during the war years and things were tough for everybody during this time, however, Richard's family wasn't as poor as some. They owned a pool hall, beauty and barber shop, trucking company and ran the brothel.
Richard's early life left many lasting impressions on him. Years later he would reveal that he had been molested at six years old, his early young life was very complexed. There were few positive role models in his life. As a child he saw a lot and heard a lot that most children would never experience.
He found humor early on, it probably started out as a defense mechanism that helped him cope as he was growing up. He left school at about 15. There was one teacher that Richard never forgot, Miss Whittaker, she helped him as much as she possible could. He never forgot her and years later he would pay tribute to her. She saw something in Richard few ever saw, his positive side, and that's what she nurtured.
He spent two years in the Army. After training he found himself stationed in Idar-Oberstein, Germany. A beautiful little town with a rich history. At that time there were only a few clubs in town opened to Black GIs. The racism he thought he had left behind was evident in Germany too. This was 1958. Life in the Army was not for him.
Richard never had a problem standing up in front of an audience, he had more nerve than talent starting out. In the late 60's Pryor found his niche in comedy. He was raw and people loved him. He was determined and used his real life to create some of his 'cutting edge' comedy. He no longer copied other comedians, he'd found Richard and broke new ground.
