RIP Richard Pryor (1940-2005)

Very sad news...Comedy legend Richard Pryor has died at the age of 65. He shot to fame with his no holds barred stand-up routine in the late 60's and 70's. His style and socially relevant material would influence generations of fans and fellow comedians.

His best films would be, for me anyway whenever he teamed-up with Gene Wilder. The pair had great chemistry and really worked well off of each other. Of the four films they did together though, Stir Crazy and Silver Streak, are the two that stand out for me. I also enjoyed The Toy, where he was opposite "The Great One" Jackie Gleason. And while his appearance in Superman III seemed to water down the story--Pryor's turn as Gus did offer a few laughs. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis late in life, he largely stayed private since then. But I will never forget his guest shot on TV's "Chicago Hope" in 1995. His dramatic turn was flawless.

As a screenwriter, Pryor helped to craft Mel Brooks' western spoof--the classic Blazing Saddles from 1974.

He died of a heart attack. Pryor will surely be missed but far from forgotten...