Richard Pryor - Actor Profile

Richard Pryor

Acting
Freshness: Jan 19, 2026
50Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Dec 1, 1940
Birth Place: Peoria, Illinois, USA

About Richard Pryor

Richard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor was an American stand-up comedian, actor, film director, social critic, satirist, writer, and MC. Pryor was known for uncompromising examinations of racism and topical contemporary issues, which employed colorful vulgarities, and profanity, as well as racial epithets. He reached a broad audience with his trenchant observations and storytelling style. He is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential stand-up comedians of all time: receiving praise from notable comedians such as Jerry Seinfeld, Bob Newhart, and Bill Cosby. His body of work includes the concert movies and recordings starting in the 70s and spanning three decades. He also starred in numerous films as an actor, in both comedic and dramatic roles. He collaborated on many projects with actor Gene Wilder and actor/comedian/writer Paul Mooney. Pryor won an Emmy Award (1973), and five Grammy Awards (1974, 1975, 1976, 1981, and 1982). In 1974, he also won two American Academy of Humor awards and the Writers Guild of America Award. The first ever Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor was presented to him in 1998. Pryor is listed at Number 1 on Comedy Central's list of all-time greatest stand-up comedians.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Richard Pryor reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Comedy

The majority of Richard Pryor's filmography leans towards the Comedy genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 58% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Richard Pryor remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in But... Seriously, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Richard Pryor Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Richard Pryor's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Richard Pryor.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2025 Breakdown: 1975 Self (archive footage) Average Similar →
2025 I'm Chevy Chase and You're Not Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2025 John Candy: I Like Me Self - Actor (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
2024 Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution Self (archive footage) (uncredited) Average Similar →
2024 Remembering Gene Wilder Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2022 The Hall: Honoring the Greats of Stand-Up Self (archive footage) Average Similar →
2020 The Last Days of Richard Pryor Himself Super Hit Similar →
2019 I Am Richard Pryor Self - Actor and Comedian (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2014 Richard Pryor: Icon Self (archive footage) Average Similar →
2013 Mel Brooks: Make a Noise Self (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
2013 Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2006 The N Word Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2003 Richard Pryor: I Ain't Dead Yet, #*%$#@!! Self (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
2000 Me, Myself & Irene Stand-Up Comedian on TV (archive footage) (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1999 Sam Kinison: Why Did We Laugh? Self Average Similar →
1997 Blacks and Jews Self Average Similar →
1997 Lost Highway Arnie Super Hit Similar →
1994 But... Seriously Self (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
1990 Sammy Davis, Jr. 60th Anniversary Celebration Self Super Hit Similar →
1989 Harlem Nights Sugar Ray Average Similar →
1989 See No Evil, Hear No Evil Wallace 'Wally' Karue Hit Similar →
1986 Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling Jo Jo Dancer / Alter Ego Average Similar →
1985 The Making of 'Superman III' Self Hit Similar →
1985 Brewster's Millions Montgomery Brewster Hit Similar →
1983 Richard Pryor: Here and Now Self Hit Similar →
1983 Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever Self Super Hit Similar →
1982 The Toy Jack Brown Average Similar →
1982 Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip Self Hit Similar →
1981 Bustin' Loose Joe Braxton Average Similar →
1980 Stir Crazy Harry Monroe Hit Similar →
1980 In God We Tru$t G.O.D. Average Similar →
1979 The Muppet Movie Balloon Vendor Hit Similar →
1979 Richard Pryor: Live in Concert Self Hit Similar →
1978 The Wiz The Wiz Average Similar →
1978 California Suite Dr. Chauncey Gump Average Similar →
1978 Blue Collar Ezekiel 'Zeke' Brown Hit Similar →
1977 Which Way Is Up? Leroy Jones / Rufus Jones / Rev. Lenox Thomas Average Similar →
1977 Greased Lightning Wendell Scott Average Similar →
1977 The Richard Pryor Special? Self / Various Hit Similar →
1976 Silver Streak Grover Muldoon Hit Similar →
1976 Car Wash Daddy Rich Average Similar →
1976 The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings Charlie Snow Average Similar →
1974 Uptown Saturday Night Sharp Eye Washington Average Similar →
1973 The Mack Slim Average Similar →
1973 Wattstax Self Hit Similar →
1972 Lady Sings the Blues Piano Man Hit Similar →
1971 You've Got To Walk It Like You Talk It or You'll Lose That Beat Wino Super Hit Similar →
1971 Richard Pryor: Live and Smokin' Self Average Similar →
1968 Wild in the Streets Stanley X Average Similar →
1967 The Busy Body Whittaker Hit Similar →

Richard Pryor - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Richard Pryor?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Richard Pryor is "But... Seriously" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Richard Pryor acted in?

Richard Pryor has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Richard Pryor?

Other notable films include "The Last Days of Richard Pryor", "Sammy Davis, Jr. 60th Anniversary Celebration", and "You've Got To Walk It Like You Talk It or You'll Lose That Beat".