October 27, 2004

Curious George - What is Richard Pryor Up to? I was watching the Dennis Miller show tonight and as a guest he had George Carlin on. At the end of the interview, Miller made a comment that new comics (slyly implying that he was a "new comic"), always look to Carlin and Pryor to emulate. This got me thinking about Richard Pryor and what the hell he is up to. Anyone have the skinny on Richard?
  • He has multiple sclerosis, i think, and is fairly frail physically. The last public appearance I saw, he wasn't able to talk. I've heard that since then his medication has changed and he is more alert now, but still pretty disabled.
  • From the end part of the bio on the official site: Although his multiple sclerosis today prevents him from performing, Pryor will never lose his position as cultural icon. From his home in the Encino hills, which he shares with his two rescued dogs, Homer and Spirit, Pryor's mind continues to catalog the events of his life and the world around him, and we can only hope that a cure to this debilitating disease will soon be found so we can once again experience our reality with the outrageous, profane, and scabrous perspective that only Richard Pryor can impart.
  • Multiple Sclerosis is horrible, and it sounds like Pryor has a very bad instance of it. My mother has it, and while it confines her to a wheel chair (her legs are almost useless, and spasm at least three times a day). Her hands are also getting to the point where she can't write anymore. It is a sad illness, as the muscles are functional and usually healthy (at least in the beginning) but she just loses control over them. I hope his health improves.
  • No recent movies, apparently.
  • He's gonna be in a boxing match against Muhammad Ali, now that both of them shake like maraccas.
  • That's your fuckin' comment?
  • He looked very frail when he was given his Mark Twain Award. It must be horrible for his family.
  • I Ain't Dead Yet M*therF@ck%r!! I posted that some months ago, but it doesn't show up on a search.
  • I meant to paste Koko's link, but there's this, and this.