Richard Pryor

American comedian and actor. A sharp, brash star of night clubs, TV and films who thrived on chaos, he was elected to the Comedy Hall of Fame. His earthy, profane humor and low-life characterizations brought him great popularity and he went on to win two Grammy's for his comedy albums, appear in movies and TV specials and in guest shots. He was also a writer and film director.

Raised in seedy poverty amidst sleazy pool halls and whorehouses, he was a school dropout by 14, working at menial jobs. While serving two years in the military, he was stationed in Germany. He made his first appearance as a stand-up comic on 31 August 1954, but it was not until he left the service that he set his sights on performing in local clubs. He achieved national fame on TV's "Ed Sullivan Show," and the "Tonight Show."

Pryor made a screen debut in 1968 and his films include "Lady Sings the Blues," 1972, "Silver Streak," 1976, and "Stir Crazy," 1980. In 1974 he won an Emmy for Best Writing for a Lily Tomlin TV special, and he collaborated with Mel Brooks on their comedy classic "Blazing Saddles," 1974.

Progressing heavily into booze and drugs, while free-basing cocaine he set himself on fire and was badly burned over 50% of his body in 1980. After recovery, he toned down both his act and his incendiary personal life.

In 1986 he began to lose weight and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. By 1991 he had quadruple heart surgery, failing vision and balance. The M.S. was not fatal but debilitating, Pryor received an overwhelming wave of support from his community with a loving Hollywood gala testimonial on 25 November 1991. By 1993 he was confined to a life of wheelchairs, canes and physical therapy.

Pryor had five marriages, and paid child support for the son of an actress.

Just nine days after his 65th birthday, the comedian suffered a heart attack on 10 December 2005 at his home in the San Fernando Valley.