Richard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor III, one of the most influential comedians of all time, was born in Peoria, Illinois. Raised primarily by his grandmother in the brothel she operated, Pryor’s early life experiences deeply informed his raw, honest, and fearless comedic voice.
He broke barriers in stand-up comedy by addressing race, politics, and personal struggles with unmatched candor and humor. Pryor’s work in film, television, and on stage reshaped comedy and paved the way for future generations of Black performers.
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