Richard Pryor, born on December 1, 1940 in Peoria, Illinois, was an American stand-up comedian, actor, and social critic. He grew up in a brothel run by his grandmother, and faced a tumultuous childhood marked with abuse and neglect. Despite these challenging beginnings, Pryor used his experiences to fuel his comedic career, developing a groundbreaking style that blended humor with candid discussions of race and contemporary issues. Pryor's career began in the early 1960s, performing in small clubs across the United States. His big break came when he moved to New York City in 1963 and began appearing in popular television shows such as The Ed Sullivan Show and The Tonight Show. However, Pryor's true genius shone through in his stand-up routines, where he became famous for his storytelling style, profanity-laced humor, and fearless exploration of topics like racism, drugs, and his personal life. His albums, including That N*****'s Crazy and Is It Something I Said? were critically acclaimed and won multiple Grammy Awards. In addition to his stand-up work, Pryor also had a successful acting career. He appeared in more than 50 films, including noteworthy roles in Lady Sings the Blues, Silver Streak, and Stir Crazy. Pryor co-wrote the screenplay for the iconic film Blazing Saddles, showcasing his versatile talent. Despite facing personal struggles with drug addiction and health issues, including being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1986, Pryor remained a prominent figure in the entertainment industry until his death in 2005. His legacy endures, with many comedians citing him as a significant influence on their work.