Is He Crazy? : The Humor and Genius of Richard Pryor
Before Chris Tucker, Chris Rock, Eddie Murphy, and Robin Williams, there was Richard Pryor. These comedians, and learned cultural critics as well, cite Pryor as an inspiration, and in more candid moments, credit him with changing the scope and content of American comedic performance. As a comedian, writer, actor, and director, Pryor achieved stature as one of the most significant American artists of the last half-century. With over 40 films to his credit, numerous Grammy award-winning albums, and legendary live comedy performances, Pryor's impact upon U.S. popular culture is pronounced. In addition to showcasing his comic genius, Pryor's vernacular style in particular created a profound shift in the parameters of comedic performance.
Pryor's talents and influence extend over multiple mediums. An Oscar-nominated actor, Pryor is consistently recognized as possessing talent greater than the film roles he plays. He is also an Emmy-award winning writer (his credits include co-writer of the film Blazing Saddles), and starred in a children's television series as well as in a short-lived, prime time television series. Yet Pryor, who now suffers from Multiple Sclerosis, in 1998 became the first recipient of the Mark Twain Award for Humor, and is perhaps best known for his scathing, irreverent, insightful, and hilarious critique and commentary on all aspects of the human condition. Race relations, sexuality, drug usage, politics, and spirituality are some of the subjects Pryor takes on in his performances. What emerges from his humor-which set the standard for the late 1970s, the early 1980s, and continues to influence contemporary culture-is the genius of Richard Pryor.
