Richard Pryor Biography: Wives, Net Worth, Movies, Awards, Age, Parents, Siblings, Children

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Richard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor Sr., famously known as Richard Pryor, was an American stand-up comedian and actor renowned for his sharp observations and storytelling style.

He is widely considered one of history’s greatest and most influential stand-up comedians, captivating a diverse audience with his unique approach to comedy.

Profile

• Full Name: Richard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor Sr.
• Stage Name: Richard Pryor
• Born: 1, December 1940
• Date of death: December 10, 2005 (aged: 65 years)
• Birthplace: Peoria, Illinois, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor and comedian
• Height: 1.78m
• Parent: LeRoy Pryor and Gertrude L. Thomas
• Siblings: 3
• Spouse: Patricia Price (m. 1960–1961), Shelley Bonus (m. 1967–1969), Deborah McGuire (m. 1977–1978), Jennifer Lee (m. 1981–1982), Flynn Belaine (m. 1986–1987), Flynn Belaine (m. 1990–1991) and Jennifer Lee (m. 2001 -2005)
• Children: Richard Jr. Pryor, Rain Pryor, Elizabeth Pryor, Steven Pryor, Franklin Pryor, Renee Pryor ,Kelsey Pryor
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $40 million

Early Life And Education

Richard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor Sr. was born on December 1, 1940, in Peoria, Illinois, United States, to LeRoy Pryor and Gertrude L. Thomas.

He had three siblings and spent much of his childhood in his grandmother’s brothel after being abandoned by his parents at the age of ten.

Details about his formal education are not widely known. Pryor identified as African American, frequently weaving cultural heritage elements into his comedy.

While raised Catholic, he eventually distanced himself from organized religion, often exploring spiritual themes throughout his work.

Career

Richard Pryor began his career in the 1960s, making his film debut in The Busy Body (1967), and quickly gained recognition for his role in Lady Sings the Blues (1972).

He became a groundbreaking figure in stand-up comedy, known for his raw, unapologetic material that addressed race, social issues, and personal struggles.

His comedy albums, mainly That Nigger’s Crazy (1974), earned multiple Grammy Awards, establishing him as one of the leading voices in American comedy and setting a new standard for comedic storytelling.

In the 1970s, Pryor expanded his reach into television and film, co-writing the iconic Blazing Saddles (1974) and starring in successful films like Silver Streak (1976) and Stir Crazy (1980).

His unique ability to blend humour with poignant social commentary resonated with diverse audiences, allowing him to tackle taboo subjects with wit and vulnerability.

Pryor’s stand-up film, Richard Pryor: Live in Concert (1979), was the first of its kind and became a box-office success, further solidifying his status as a comedy legend.

Pryor amassed numerous accolades throughout his career, including an Emmy Award and five Grammy Awards. Revered for his innovation and candidness, he profoundly influenced the world of stand-up comedy, inspiring generations of comedians.

Despite enduring personal challenges, including addiction, his legacy remains as a pioneering entertainer who reshaped comedy and film, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

Awards and Nominations

• Grammy Awards
• Primetime Emmy Award
• Writers Guild of America Award
• Mark Twain Prize for American Humor (1998)

Social Media

• Instagram handle:@richardpryor
• Facebook handle: Richard Pryor Official
• Twitter handle: @richardfpryor

Personal Life

Richard Pryor was married seven times to five women. His marriages included Patricia Price from 1960 to 1961, with whom he had a son, Richard Pryor Jr., and Shelley Bonus from 1967 to 1969, who gave birth to his daughter Rain.; Deborah McGuire from 1977 to 1978; Jennifer Lee from 1981 to 1982 and again from 2001 until he died in 2005); and Flynn Belaine, whom he married twice in 1986 to 1987 and 1990.

He had two children with Flynn, Steven and Kelsey, and his son Franklin, who was born before their second marriage.

Pryor had seven children: Richard Jr., Rain, Elizabeth, Steven, Franklin, Renee and Kelsey. His relationships were often tumultuous, reflecting the personal struggles he faced, including addiction.

These challenges sometimes led to allegations of domestic violence from his ex-wives, highlighting the complexity and difficulties in his personal life.

Filmography

• Blazing Saddles (1974)
• The Wiz (1978)
• Silver Streak (1976)
• Stir Crazy (1980)
• See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989)
• Superman III (1983)
• Brewster’s Millions (1985)
• Harlem Nights (1989)

Net Worth

When he died in 2005, Richard Pryor had a net worth of $40 million. His wealth stemmed mainly from his successful stand-up comedy, film, and television career.

His contributions included several hit comedy albums and significant films such as Stir Crazy and Superman III.

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