“I was a Negro for 23 years. I gave that shit up. No room for advancement.”
— Richard Pryor
The one inspiration above all of them during my Childhood is gone. Up there with the great ones; Bill Cosby, Eddie Murphy, Red Foxx, George Carlin, and Robin Williams…Richard Pryor was one comedian that struck some of the deepest notes with me. The man inspired me to tell stories. He and Bill Cosby showed me how to tell stories, and how to amuse people by just going all schizo, and literally becoming the characters themselves.
I’m a mess right now. I think we all are.
Here is Alex’s wonderful tribute.
We shall not see his like again. He has many imitators but he had no peers.
One of my favorite quotes about art comes to mind. Stella Adler, great acting teacher, once said:
“It is not that important to know who you are. It is important to know what you do. And then do it like Hercules.”
Mr. Richard Pryor did it like Hercules.
Rest in Peace Richard
He did do it like Hercules, Sheila.. but, as with all the greats, others still tried, and try, to imitate.
Peace now, Richard.
I can hear him now…”LEAVE ME THE FUCK ALONE
Freaking genius.
Plus he had MS- like me. Therefore I liked him better. : )
Yes, Beth – me too. :)