A Party for Richard Pryor (1991)

ladies and gentlemen of the Beverly Hilton Hotel, welcome to a

party

for Richard and now here's our host Eddie Murphy, thank you and welcome to a

party

for Richard tonight. Some of Richard's friends have come here to say hello, wish him well, and talk a little. a little about what made Richard PRI Legend first I'd like you to meet some of Richard's special friends, sugaray Leonard Tommy the hitman, his George Foran Muhammad Ali and here with his friend Chevy Chase, another world champion, Mr. .Richard earlier, that was fun. He tried to act like he didn't know he was supposed to sit down.

The job. That job. If I work. So I love you, Richard, because without you there is no me, brother. I just want you to know that you faced some tough bodyguards and recovered. bodyguard than me, I just had more, let's start the night with a man who thinks of you as much as you think of him, ladies and gentlemen, The Godfather of Soul Mr. Dynamite James, it's okay, I'm so tired of standing still, we have to move still stay still we have so you I'm standing we have to move look I'm so tired of staying still we have to move so standing we have to move everyone I'm so tired I'm standing we've got it all right let's go on time I'm standing he move now, bring these people, everyone, I said, bring the people, do it now, BR, you know, I heard they told him about getting Muffin Man and having the same guy.

James Brown, you know, I mean, I don't know, I'm not the biggest fan or someone who's doing my thing so deeply what I heard from what I heard. I'll ask you first hand, I mean what I heard. Listen, can you really do James round oh wait, keep going? I'm almost ready to do my thing 1 ready 1 2 3 4 get up, get up, stay there, get up, wait a minute, get up, get up, get up, get up. up, stay on the scene like a machine, are you sure you were born, get it together, this is going to last too long, I need to stop because I look so dumb and I want to save my Korea, let's move on to the next day, Jam Brown, bring me H and quick. go ahead get an h and quick go ahead get an h and quick go ahead hand me over now ladies and gentlemen the 40th president of the United States yes what Mrs.

Fenton Carlton Macker Christian Women's News Mr. President from who became president, he has been seen and photographed in the arms of white women, frankly, sir, he has been trapped among a large number of white women. Will this continue as long as he can keep it up? I mean, why do you think they call it the White House? Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. welcome to Richard's show PR PR my name is Richard Prior and I'm very happy to have my own show. I don't know what to do. I could jump up and sing Yankee Doodle. I tell you that it will be so. very funny you know there are a lot of things written about me people wonder if I'm going to have a show if not I'm going to have a show well I'm going to have a show people say well how can you have a show you have to commit you have that giving up everything is a joke or oh well, look at me, I'm here naked, I haven't given up anything at all, so enjoy the show, no one knew that when Richard was three years old.

He would grow up to be a big star, so no one really kept track of him, but luckily, Richard followed up on his life with his comedy and he's talked about it and made movies about it and about his extraordinary journey through life. and oops, sorry, then there it is. Richard Pryor's childhood as shown by Richard Pryor and the dancer JoJo, a film that he produced, directed, wrote and initiated and is a story of his own life. Check it. Richard Franklin Linux Thomas Prior was born in Piia Illinois. I lived in what you call the ghetto. was presiding in the ghetto, I may look white but wait until the night, I'm Nigerian, my family had businesses, my grandmother and they own three or four brothels, so it was money in the family, this little boy played Richard and JoJo. dancer a film about Richard's life watching him we share some of the pain Richard's childhood was hell because he had no one to talk to I was a girl and I grew up seeing my mother go into the rooms with the man and my aunt go into the room with a man now I used to look through keyholes and see people making love, not love, but for me it was love as a result of all these experiences.

Richard grew up in a hurry, started working in local clubs and did well at 19, he decided. leave his feet and go to New York and try to make it as a comedian he was a young man embarking on a lonely journey but Richard didn't feel alone for long, soon people saw him and found out, he started making special appearances on television when I was a little kid, I remember watching TV and watching Like Richard before and I remember that lit the spark in me, you know, and that made me want to do what I do and I think the first thing that did was uh, the Rudy Valley show on Broadway tonight check it out for the first time on television Richard prior uh I'm going to tell you a few things about myself because a lot of you probably don't know me.

I'm not a New Yorker. My home is in pure Illinois and I had some time in the neighborhood. I have to tell you because my mother is Puerto Rican and my father is black and we lived in a large Jewish apartment building in an Italian neighborhood. Every time I go out, the kids say, "Let's go." he, they're all oh richer, he just ate Mayor Lindsay's nose, Richard earlier, and you're going to enjoy it. Sorry, Richard I I I I I want to do a quick impression, it's very quick and it's very cute and you'll love it, what kind of an imp what impression of what's my impression of the first man in the sun aha I see it aha how do you like it I was in the army that's right I was serving my country was it that or 6 months I was in Fort Lenwood, yes, I was a cool protester, although I had my things together at the march hop hop hop hop H hop H hop 2 3 4 a few months ago I was in the show tonight and I was talking to Johnny Carson, he's my Buddy P. type, you know, I was sitting there, I was talking normally and I said, you know, John, I have to go to the doctor because I can't see with his eye and he's going blind, you know?

So I'm going to go. to the hospital losing weight and stuff, I can't get it back so the next day this lady from the newspaper called one of my ex-wives and she said to me, what do you think is wrong with Richard? She said: I think he has AIDS, guaranteeing me that I will. We won't get sex until 2025, thank you, thank you, I think that in all the interviews I've done with comedians, when you ask who your idol is, the name most mentioned is Richard PRI. From Eddie Murphy to Robin Williams, everyone says Richard before him, it's for comedy. that Elvis is for music.

I guess I remember one night at The Comedy Store and Richard might remember this situation. There was a comedian who was struggling like all of us at some point and it was cold. I think his name was Dave. Tyrie, if I'm not mistaken, and Richard saw him standing like that and we, you know, stood out in the cold to listen to Richard talk, you know, and you know, he used to be all over the court and all the comics listening to the guy was like that. . and Richard said you need a jacket and gave him the leather coat he was wearing.

Richard just took off his coat and handed it to Dave and you always hear about people taking their shirt off their back. I saw him give away his jacket. and the fun part because there's always a fun part when it comes to Richard. The next night, Richard came to The Comedy Store to practice his act and he said, Dave, I have to get that jacket back and he said my wife was very angry because I gave you that jacket, I have to get the jacket back and Dave gave him the jacket back. and I learned something that night, not only does Richard have a big heart, but he has no idea what kind of woman to choose, we've had a few. funny and um, from the days when you let me sit on JoJo's dancer set and said just look to the days when you followed me in Patty Lael to different places and gave me advice and told me what to do and what not to do.

You are a brilliant man and a wonderful humanitarian. We love you Richard and there will never be another thank you later. Thank you so much. Thank you. Such a talented young man. Oh, Hall, a very talented young man fell before he continued. You all know, that's my man, before we continue, I'd like to explain to you what tonight is all about. It's not Richard's birthday or his showbiz anniversary and he hasn't won any awards recently and he won't be retiring. he's not dying and nothing like that. I know the last time we did something like this was to say goodbye to someone who really meant a lot to us.

You know, it's not that kind of trip. Even though I was the same producer, I know you were nervous. When you got that call, you were rich, rich, we'd like to throw you one this year, you figure, Richard, everyone's going to have to get another guest of honor, kiss my ass, since when does anyone need a reason for a party anyway? We don't need any reasons, we have reasons why we love you, that's all and when you have a party you have to give gifts correctly, so I will give them to you. We know that your favorite singer and your favorite song is Bobby Wack's song.

So Mr Bobby leaves. To sing him his favorite song, Mr. Bobby W L, and I would like to dedicate this song to all the L T. I want all the numbers to wave his hand. Who am I talking to? Because the way I look at it, I think that's the whole world and us. We all need something or someone to love when it's cold outside. Who do you hug? I wonder what they will care if I talk about this woman or man, is it okay if I talk about that? oh, she always complains that I'm never home, but when I'm there I'm broke, look at me, I ain't got no money in my pocket, telling me the things a girlfriend has and doesn't have, she wants me to go out and get them, the girl to which I came. come to Bab at once if you think now wait until tonight girl I'll be around a long time but you'll never find another man who treats you right if you believe if you think if you think if you're lonely now yeah, wait, wait, wait until the night, listen to me Now when I come out of Theos and chase your ass all over the room and the memory is like a ghost and dances slowly, that takes a lot of thinking too, girl, just wait until I get there, but I'm not. there to rub your back just remember I made it known F girl wait until tonight have you ever felt alone?

Talk to me, have you ever felt alone? Wait, wait, wait until tonight. One more thing you'll see. The G needs to come out and that for St, you know, do it right, you can't sleep W, you think so. Now all you have to do is wait until tonight, as you can see the room is full of celebrities, stars and friends. They all pay their respects to Richard, some of those friendships dating back to the next woman he met in an elevator 18 years ago. Her name is Miss Regina Ebor. It was in 1973 when I met Richard, who for some reason was then known as Lightning Bug Johnson.

Don't ask me how, but Mr. Lightning Bug and I got trapped in an elevator together. Getting stuck in an elevator is scary enough, but being there with someone like Lightning Bug Johnson, you can imagine my terror. I mean being prejudiced and claustrophobic there. It was the smell of danger in the air and the smell of cheap cologne or cheap muscat. He couldn't be sure which one he was only sure was cheap. He offered me a taste of what he was drinking to ease my fear. Do you remember Richard? I took a few small sips, well, sips, let's face it, I took a few and soon my fear disappeared as did all sensation in the tips of my hands and feet.

It was then that I had an experience of wavering consciousness that I will never forget as I thought about how devastating it was. effect that cheap wine had on my breath. I put two CS in my mouth and windpipe and almost choked to death. Fortunately, lightning saved my life by performing a street version of the hell maneuver on me. It is surprising the bond that can arise. when someone does something to you in a stuck elevator, the elevator surveillance camera recorded the entire episode, however, the 18 minute interlude of somewhat compromising tape has been mysteriously deleted, but the other 3 minutes are practically intact, please, Can we have a good old fashioned Ripple? dissolve going to the first floor I go to the parking lot on the lower level yes, what kind of car do you have, I apologize, I said what kind of car do you have, maybe you could drop me off at Jefferson, no I don't think so, something is wrong with the elevator, Yes, stuck, that's the problem: they allowed us to be here for four or five months together.

It should be formally presented. My name is lightning BG Johnson the fifth, what's your name? I don't have the habit. to tell Perfect Strangers my name Turns out I'm Mrs. Odley iror III. Damn, you care about any of this. Oh, it's illegal to drink liquor in a public building. They sold it to me in a public building. I know I can drink it in a public building. building one of them freshly moved put some hair on your chest girl, have you ever kissed a black man, how dare you hint at such an idea? Have you ever kissed any kind of man?

I warn you that you could be in serious trouble. I'm just playing with you know I'm trying to relax you cuz I see you gotForia class I don't want you to get upset. Why are you relaxing? Take off your clothes. I think you're up to the task. You must be kidding. Well, no. I'm alone. Playing with you woman, I wouldn't hurt anyone for the world, I travel a lot, you know, I used to be an insurance company, take a chance on Lance, that was my insurance company, can anyone hear me? Don't worry. I'm going to take care of everything you need to know how to talk to people.

I'm getting warmer here. Come on, get us out of this elevator, this is Lightning B Johnson, that's who I know from coast to coast, so watch out, fool, what did he say, he said, we're on our way down, oh, we're going down, yeah , that's it, that's going down, that's what we're doing, Zippy, right? You really are an amazing person. I may be a wio, but I'm a gentleman. Believe it, so I'll give you my card if you ever come down to Philly. Little expression. I want you to look for me. My motto is: "You can always share a jar." with firefly, take care because there's my taxi bus, keep in touch Mr. firefly, ladies and gentlemen, civil pastor, it seems that for as long as I can remember, every year or so there is another fantastic story doing the rounds about Richard, he certainly led a life with all the calm of an avalanche, but I would like everyone here tonight to know that Richard Prior is doing very well last summer, he had triple bypass heart surgery and his recovery has been phenomenal thanks to a therapy program of exercises and a lot of effort. clean living H exercise and therapy are fine, but that clean living must have been a shock to his system exercise is also part of the treatment Rich undergoes three times a week at UCLA in his fight against multiple sclerosis or MS as it is commonly known, this is a disease of the nervous system that affects young adults, its cause is unknown, it is rarely fatal and there is no evidence that it can be spread from another person.

Right now, more than a quarter of a million Americans have MS and while there is no known cure, early diagnosis is helpful, treatments and medications have been developed to reduce the effects of the disease as research continues. vital. If you would like more information, please call or write to National Multiple Sclerosis Society 205 East 42nd Street New York New York 10017, thank you ladies. and gentlemen, Mr. Bert Reynold, hello, I'm Mared Gani Anderson and I just won an Emmy and you both make them very big. I would like to. It was too modern for the room. They almost already know.

I want to say a couple of things, Richard, this stuff is so good it has his own dandruff on it. We all know that Richard has occasionally gotten into little trouble, but his closest friends know that if you're with Richard you can sometimes get into it. problems too. I can best describe this by telling you about one night, just one night, that I spent with Richard and he knows that I'm a big fight fan and he asked me if I would like to go to Las Vegas somewhere private. Jet to see Hitman Tommy Hearns fight Sugar Ray Leonard and I was like, are you crazy?

Yeah, so uh. I drove to the airport and a big limousine pulled up with five of the richest black people I've ever seen in my life, the richest, they said guys. Remember? You remember Bert Reynolds used to be big in the movies and then we'd get on the plane and Rich said we were in the back, so we got to Las Vegas and we went from the airport in a limo and drove to the right. he passed by our senior hall he was just walking you know of course this was this was before you knew anyway he rolled down the window and said hello Ario, do you remember that bird used to be big in the movies?

He said you keep walking because he I don't want any more black people in the car. I never appeared on our senior program. No, I don't know why the fight was one of the best fights I've ever seen in my life and, after the. fight well Sugar Sugar won and Richard said let's go up to your rooms and pay our respects to the guys and I said great so we navigated through 21 bodyguards with Richard in front of course and he came in and and Sugar was lying on the bed and he had ice on every part of his body and Richard leaned over and said Sugar.

Remember how the little bird used to be big in the movies? You know, she said, uh, I thought Tommy had won, but I thought you were the best dancer and you got really nice, but you see, uh, I think Sugar knew that Richard has a tendency to make those kinds of comments, so Sugar he would have smiled, but his lips were too far from his mouth anyway. You know I love you. I know how much you care about champions and, but world champions can lose their title, you will never lose your title. I love you. Here are the three ladies who have been friends with Richard since they met at the car wash.

Anita Ruth. and June, ladies and gentlemen, sister point, we can be so hot together, hot together, we happen to be at the same party, we leave it on the chain. I remember the time, kiss me now wondering the way we move with each other. We could dance this dance forever and we could be so close together, so together we could be hot. Anywhere else you go down, you have the freedom. We could be so hot, hot together, hot, so hot together. Wherever you go down, you have freedom together. so hot together, I know they feel so good, they burn, they burn everywhere.

Alma, you're too high. Rich, so drugged. I just want to say that Richard is my friend, heh heh, he's one of the coolest white people, I know what he's not white, oh well. So that's why he's so cool. Anyway, Richard, I'm so sorry I can't be there dressed up with those fancy people telling all those lies about how sweet and kind and wonderful you are, but I know you're a nasty piece of shit. Dude, and it's really only because you have friends as kind and gentle as Eddie, Quinc and I that anyone, even us, talks to you.

I mean, of course, you know that, in fact, if you didn't owe Eddie money, he wouldn't be around. Not here tonight either, but hey, you're my baby brother and I love you, so have fun, have a good time, and please, Rich, try to be a better person. H. There is a very popular program every Sunday called In Living Color. This program is racially mixed but predominantly. black now there are many successful black shows on the air today but this show is unusual because In Living Color was created by produced, written and owned by a very young brother who is a very good friend of mine and his cat is and if it wasn't Richard , none of us would have been able to walk through this door, you know, ladies and gentlemen, a very funny young man, Mr.

Keenan Ivory Wayne Keenan, thank you, oh, I'm a little nervous, not because I'm standing. in front of a group of people, but everyone else went out and did their little thing, they made it through it without drowning and I don't want to be the one who spills it, so this is something. which I asked to be a part of, they invited me to come and I said no, you have to let me come and say my peace. I remember when I was about to S. I saw Richard before on Deler's show and I remember the routine he did.

He did something about being chased home from school by the bully and how the bully would hit you before touching you and it was how the boy had it in class and he would look across the table, now that I had just had the same experience and The reason I was at home watching Del re was because I was afraid to go out, so I sat there watching this and immediately said, now I know what's different about me. I want to be like this boy that my mother woke me up every time he was around. on TV she would come get me and leave with that skinny guy on TV, that's what she used to call me and I would run out to clean the scab out of my eye just to see Richard and um I had the privilege of watching him leave from the deler show and see that skinny kid become a man and not just an ordinary man, a very vocal man, a man who brought the black perspective to comedy, something that had never been done before, not all audiences They were prepared for this type of humor, but Richard was not discouraged, he recounted the pain and struggle of being a black man in white society and also touched on the pride and humor that is on the same side of that corn.

Check it out. I always wanted to be something I never wanted to be white. I hope not the whole line, no, I always wanted to be something different, you know, that a cousin had so hard. I tried to be, you know, a black cat with clean hair. I thought it was a hair problem. I said if my hair was straight, why him? Check me out, there are 500 people living where I live and they are brown and I like that because you can sleep at night, you know, because you live surrounded by white people in the countryside.

Anything could happen, it's not that I don't trust white people, just that. At night, you know what I mean, I don't know, something happens to the white people, you start drinking and when you hear one of them leave, you know what I mean, I mean, the hair on my face stands up. neck because I know what's next: have any of you ever been to Africa, back to Mother Earth? There is something that a person raised with his hand in the last two no, it is just a pleasant feeling. I know how white people feel in America.

Now they are relaxed. One thing I have. It was magical, I like sharing with you, you know, it's like I was leaving and I was sitting in a hotel and a voice told me, said, look around you, what do you see? and I said, I see people of all colors doing everything. you know and the voice said do you see any? I said no, I said you know why because there's none and it hit me like a gunshot, man I started crying, I was sitting there, I said yeah I've been here 3 weeks. I haven't even said it I haven't even thought about it and it made me go oh my God I'm wrong I'm wrong I gotta regroup my I mean, I said I'll never call another black man again, you know 'cause we never were, no, that's it a word used to describe our own misery and we perpetuate it now because it is dead, but this is what I wanted to say.

I've seen Richard on stage at The Comedy Store and I remember him. arcenio saying yo man I'll introduce you do you want to meet him I said no um I remember going to the Harlem Knights set and Eddie said come on man I'll introduce you I said no and the reason was I never wanted to Meet Richard as a fan I wanted to do something I wanted to accomplish something so I could say that you did this so now I would like to meet you thank you hello hello Richard remind me of the movies. I'm sorry, I can't be. with you tonight, but I think you'll be happy with the reason I'm here trying to put the finishing touches on that movie I'm writing for us, the one we talk so much about, the story of the Flying Wandas.

Tale Of Life Death and comedy in the flying traps, we're trying to get Dolly Parton and Rosanne Arnold to star with us, so fingers crossed, you know, it occurred to me yesterday that even though we've made four movies together over 15 years. and most people think we know each other very well, in reality we don't know each other. Richard seems strange to say it and when I ask myself what I know about you, the answer always comes back: I know the me inside you or rather, I know the you, that which is inside me, someone who is both shy and aggressive. , someone who is always sad and sublimely happy, if someone asked me why I love you, the answer is something you didn't expect.

Do you remember one day during our lunch break during See No Evil Hear No Evil? I took you to the Museum of Modern Art to see Van Go's painting called Starry Night. You remember Richard and a PR woman sat with us during the trip and you were very nice to her when we got out of the car. You said it was me. rude to that lady and I said yeah a little why was that and you said I was jealous of her. I didn't want him to intrude on our time together. That's one of the reasons I love you, that you could say something like that out loud and Then we stood in front of a starry night and I was nervous waiting for your reaction and after about 5 or 6 seconds you said well, that's nice and Then suddenly you walked up to another painting by someone I had never heard of and called.

Tell me Jean, oh Jean, look at this, have you ever seen something like this in your life and now that another painter is one of my favorites, last but not least, I love you because you are stupid and you don't apologize for it? I know that the great danger of an evening like this is that there may be terrible disappointment the next day after such a euphoric night, but I don't think that will happen to you. Most actors hear the applause and think it's because everyone loves them. but actually what they love is his acting, but in your case it's not just your acting that we love, we actually love you even if we don't know you very well and now here is another friend of Richards and this friend is going to read the book .

Great, I'm fine, right? What's this Stu you're talking about about me driving a car, do this? Rich thing, don't bother man, come on, I told the world I was going to drive this guy blind, come on, man, do the rich thing let me go in the back come on easy man I'll be in the back so now you know where it's coming from hey um listen to the news Blind men beat Eddie Murphy's ass oh my god Richard I'm here yes not as a comedian but as someone who since I heard you at the age of 17 had a great desire to meet yousomeday and I was blessed with that opportunity.

I'm here because I love you like millions and millions of other people do and I wanted to. to sing you this song, when was the last time they heard you say daughter or son, I love you, you say you appreciate every day, they will instantly take it away from you and then you say: I know this can't be true when you never took the time . simply tell them I love you when was the last time they heard me say sister or brother I love you and when was the last time they heard you say honey or best friend I love you the one you give your life for could be taken in the blink of a night, true your tears, you would ask why you left when you never took the time to show him how much you love him, so these three words, these words always smile, these three words Sweet and simple, the world is like this sweet and simple these three words these three words a short and this world this big world I love you rich God bless you God bless you oh wait a microphone I don't need this well I guess I can use it feel like I feel like Richard Lewis is now I don't know, I don't know I guess I use this microphone, next for ladies and gentlemen Anderson's words are the comedians' weapons, he uses them to pierce pomposity and create laughs and Richard.

You use words better than almost anyone else, but here are two words that Richard used several times in his life where the gun was turned on himself and it was no laughing matter. The two words "Yes, yes." I have to return the presence if I do it. divorce, you shouldn't be so negative, I mean, we both have something in common, you and I have had a failed relationship, yes, I'm saying it M, when you know, you know what happened, we don't know, they say goodbye. Bye, what do you mean you want the house in the car?

So yeah, you know it well and she doesn't tell jokes either. You never remember that at some point you could be in love with someone and it's great and you come and get married. them and I don't know, something happens when you get women married, man you've been dating for a long time, something about the attitude, good morning, dear, good morning, how are you today? and women, you all can be so cool. You love it when I'm in love with you 'cause you can be a nasty love, please don't let me give you, oh God, are you calling again?

God, Richard, please don't do this to yourself. I mean, why don't you leave? house and take a bath or something like that wait a minute, John, it seems like women like you, although yes, who, why and you can't graduate until a woman breaks your heart, that's your downfall, it either kills you or makes you fat , you get depressed, I have never done that. I've been depressed before I became depressed. I couldn't work. It's been at least 10 months since I've been on this show. But you called me a lot but I couldn't go. Could not talk. Could not talk.

I couldn't feel funny about it, you know, yeah, because it hurts. Women's hearts break and they cry. Men don't do that. Men hold back as if it didn't hurt. They walk and get hit by trucks, didn't you see it? The truck said son of a bitch that he wouldn't have seen a 747 because he was heartbroken. Feel like Lano man. I feel young. I mean, I know I can make love eight nine times a night. Yes I know. I just need a woman. Many people. Here tonight, whose lives and careers have been affected by Richard, some of them have recovered and I would like to say a word to this Marshall Warfield.

Wow, well, I don't really know what to say, but I guess like a lot of the comics Richard taught. He told me how to be funny, but more than that, he always made me feel beautiful when I met him. He was there to do a small role on his show on Rich's previous show and he looked at me across the room. feeling a little insecure and shy and he smiled and extended his hand and I extended my hand and he scratched my palm. You remember Richard and I feeling beautiful and then one night at The Comedy Store when I had to follow Richard. which was like the best training in the world, if you can follow Richard you can follow anyone and one night he gave me the biggest compliment I've ever received, he came up on stage and asked me to go up first so he didn't have to do anything. go through that humiliation of following Richard BR and I have always loved him and never had the chance to thank him thank you so much Miss Elaine boozler Richard, you won't remember this, it was just a wonderful little kindness. in 1973 and I guess you just throw them away and people throw them away and go on with their lives and it means a lot to the person who is the beneficiary of that.

I was starting out in '73. I was a waitress and I was trying to be a comedian and I was a hostess at a club in New York and I sat you down and you walked in and you walked in and it was amazing and I was supposed to mention the next comedian and I thought Richard Pri is here . I will do that. My few minutes that I know and I went on and did several minutes of material and it was just horrible and they just stared at me and I was done. I don't think I would have done it again.

I was just devastated. and I looked out and said well, how about a hand for the next comedian coming here? and they just looked at you and you stood back and said how about a hand for you mom and you made them clap, you made them clap. It was amazing and I, at 18 years old, sins could have used it a lot on many of my GS's. No salute to Richard Pry will be complete without a few words from one of the comedians who was there even before Richard, ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Dick Gregory. Let me first good night and secondly let me say that we thank and praise God for tonight.

When Brother George called me, there were people saying why they were here. I didn't want to be here tonight because about 20 years ago when you were 39 years old when you were taking your first trip to Africa you called Bob Johnson of Jet magazine, you wanted to take a black brother with you and I told Bob to tell you no. I'm going to Africa. I have never been to Africa. Those blacks over there are eating people and I told Bob to tell you you can go alone. I'm going to Milwaukee and I'll hang out with white people where it's safe, so I'm coming tonight to apologize.

Africa is safe, mewa, dangers. You already know this country. you have produced three geniuses in the field of comics uh Mar Twain Lenny Bruce and you, the interesting thing that separates you Mar Twain Lenny Bruce you used the Constitution, freedom of speech Mar Twain did some things that cannot be published for 400 years after his death, you stood up unprepared and took the Constitution of the United States and said: I will exercise my freedom of speech, I will not change my experiences, you will listen to them and you won, that's why I come here tonight to tell you that we thank you because you see in a system with racism and sexism that generates hatred in all of us and meanness and bitterness but thank God God gave us two antidotes to get rid of that poison the minor one is called laughter that is the job that comedians have and you just go out and talk about it you make people laugh people and burn that poison God blessed us to be the least and you all have to depend on us for the M but the greatest God put that burden on all of you is called forgiveness burns pausing in the body and then Richard so that you don't disappointments tomorrow when you wake up after tonight look around this room on the way out and remember that each of us here had something to do tonight so we're not here Because we had nothing to do, we're here to tell you that we love you brother , thank you Mr.

Bobcat gowi um, I'm nervous, I'm terrified more than usual, um, well, this is going to be televised, so I'd like to. First, I want to say this: if you ever see me getting hit by the police or if you see me getting hit by anyone, put down the video camera and help me. I've had a different kind of experience. experience that many of the comics I heard tonight when, as a teenager, my mother told me not to see you, my mother is not racist, she just I don't know, but when she told me not to see you, I knew.

I knew you had to be really good, I knew there had to be something great there, so I don't know, I guess I don't know you very well, but I owe you a lot and the things I owe you. um dick what you talked about is the fact that thanks to you I learned that I can talk about sex and not be sexist and uh, I can talk about gays and not be homophobic and I learned that I can be edgy and not be racist and there's a lot of hate in the world now and there's a lot of hate and comedy, but uh, and there's a lot of people that you know and they use you like they say, well, Richard PRI said these words, but when you said them, you meant them. with love and it was very healing and uh, I hate when comics get serious and modeling so I think I'm going to throw up real quick here.

There is nothing more pretentious than seeing this. George Foreman said: Are you going to be funny? It's good to see you're saying that, I really have the choice to not be funny, so all I'm saying is I owe you a ton, I wouldn't be in this business without you, without your inspiration, and I'm really glad I don't. listen to my mother a lot. Thank you ladies and gentlemen. Academy Award Winner Mr. LS Gset Jr. I love you Richard 22 years ago Richard had a daughter who was young and decided he wanted to go into show business when he was very young Richard sat down with her and explained to her that he didn't I could do it for her, she was going to have to study, work, learn and then fly, in other words, she had to do it alone.

Her daughter listened and that's what she did. Did she go out on her own and eventually become one of the stars of Head of the Class? A few months ago, when Richard was going to undergo triple bypass surgery, she realized that, as much as she loved his dad, she couldn't recover from him. Now he must also go out and do it alone So he wrote a song for his father reminding him of his own advice Here is Richard Rain PRI's daughter When I look back in the mirror of life When I've searched my soul I see a The shadow I left behind It used to be me, but now I can see.

I have to fly. I have to be free. Yes. I have to fly. I have to be free. Yes. I must fly now. I'm singing the songs that I feel peace and love. I'm being a reality. You do not know? I keep going. I found a dream in the stars over the sea. I'm on my way up, here it comes. for me to fly I have to fly away I have to be free yes I have to follow my path I have a dream in the sea I am on my way Mr. prize I have to fly away I have to be free I have to fly away we talk a lot about Richard and his humor and the effect that has had on all of us now we haven't talked about the demons on the dark side of Richard's life maybe we haven't talked about it but Richard has.

I wasn't even close to being normal I was ignorant I couldn't stop drinking until the bartender said we were out of liquor Richard became an alcoholic he also became addicted to drugs in the movie JoJo Dancer relived that desperate moment when she realized He continued using, he would die, but if he stopped using, he did not believe he could live. It is a strange disease. If any of you do it, I know you won't believe it, but you have been doing it. more than two weeks you are an addict, I tell you and now I tell you so you know what I'm talking about.

I started smoking. I had a pipe, I would sit down and walk 8 feet away. from the mother, two days later, Jack, smoked. I went once. He looked like he had an appendage on his hand. It was a pipe and it made me angry and frustrated. People didn't understand me. The pipe told me: "Let's go to the room." with me I've got you covered I know how you feel rich I understand just Light Me Up hold me for a couple of days and we'll talk about it Richard did more than just talk about it, he actually recreated that terrifying moment when he tried to take his own life by setting himself on fire.

A 39-year-old black man, many thought he would never live, but in true Richard PRI fashion, he even joked about it later on stage. One night he was watching television and they said he had died. He was bandaged, Richard PRI said. He died 5 minutes ago. I'll tell you what, man, when that fire hits your ass, it'll sober you up fast. I mean he was standing there on fire and some said why is that so blue. Do you know what that looks like? I mean everyone gave me a lot of love when I wasn't feeling well and I really appreciate it.

They also made some nasty jokes on my butt. Oh yeah, they didn't think I'd seen some of them. Since you love me so much, I remember this match like this, what is that Richard Pry running down the street? It overwhelms me to think about how kind people are, that so many people love me, you know, I just feel different about people and me. I would like to thank everyone who sent me things and wished me well because I am very happy to be alive. I mean, it's a pleasure to introduce you to another very talented young man who makes movies and does television specials and is a writer. and an actor, a producer and a comedian, another funny and talented young black man, Mr.

Robert Towns and Robert Robert, um, good evening, I just want to say, uh, where can I start?, they all got different pieces from Richard PRI , they saw different things and for me, uh. the social commentary stayed with me in my heart because I saw a person who could make you laugh and then say something and then I said to myself I said well that's what I want to do with my job, it's more than just jokes and So when I see the clips and I think about you, I just want to say thank you for letting me know that I cando something else and I would like to share with you a character I created years ago. to share it with you everything must change nothing stays the same but that's the way time nothing and no one stays unchanged unchanged young people become yes, I know it's hard to believe I used to be a comedian yes, but I used to be a comedian yes, yes, this, a long time ago, yes, I remember the day they got the cure for AIDS, yes, a lot of people from Havoc that day, I remember, but that's nothing.

I'd hate to get that nuclear disease that you got Now you make all that noise B bo bo the other things used to be quiet, you know, it's quiet, yeah, and they dropped that bomb in World War III. I was on the front line and they dropped that bomb. Now they are all grey, no, black, no, white, no. red no yellow only gray light gray and dark gray yes people are still prejudiced people are still prejudiced The other day this light gray man called me grigger I said don't call me no damn man grigger I called myself on the phone I called the GP from the NAA and all these gray men chasing these light gray women and the babies come out Ash you gotta go, oh come on man you can stay and talk to me some more.

I'm, I'm getting you down, hey, one day people won't be so messed up, it's like that white guy wrote in the song that the white guy wrote it in the song the one that was murdered he was in that group of bugs lenen John lenen Imagine there is no heaven, you could say I'm a dream, but I'm not the only one, I hope one day you come and join us. and the world will be like a world, thank you Richard, I love you, that's my favorite part of those shows, many of Richard's relationships go back a long time, the next artist tour with him is his opening act in 1979 and Richard Richard's pride is the only cat on the planet. that I could follow Miss Patty Lael, come on, Miss P Lael, when I went solo, Richard Pryor was the first one to take me on tour and every night I closed my show with this song and I'll do it again tonight. you, Richard, I love you, I about us, I wake up where the butt so far the lemon falls chy a oh that's what that's what you'll do if a tiny little bird can climb the rainbow then why this is a new song of my last album was inspired by Richard before, it's when you've been blessed, you pass it on like you always do in a world of superheroes in a world of weak and strong in a sea of ​​heaviness and I've survived the ring St and I pray for words where We can all be free there a vision of heaven God I don't see any joy no peace everyone will gather together and don't pass it on don't keep it to yourself just keep giving keep giving blue birds fly a little bird, yes a tiny bird can get up and fly , ohain, and someone, please tell me, oh, why, oh, that's what I, you go through it all, you go through it all, I love you, Richard, true, true, I love you, ladies and gentlemen, the two most beautiful. words in comedy Mr.

Richard Pryor I am moved beyond anything I have ever felt. This is warm and wonderful to me. I never knew, for example, that Eddie Murphy loved me the way he does, not to do this, I mean, like Dick Gregory told you. I know you all had a lot to do tonight and you chose to do it here and I thank you for that and I'm alive and well, I'm happy to be here and thank you all so much. A lot and I love you thank you thank you all for coming to a party for Richard Richard we love you with all our hearts.

I love you brother, if you only knew if you were a man. You have no idea, you have no idea, brother, I love you. Very much, Richard, from the bottom of my heart, you know it and thank you all for coming to make my brother feel good and I love you all too. Travel provided by Continental now takes off with a new look and a commitment to making air travel truly enjoyable. Continental is an airline that can do. a difference Accommodations for Richard C's party were provided by Merv Griffin's Beverly Hilton hotel which offers luxury accommodations and award-winning restaurants.

Call the Beverly Hilton to make reservations today. I'm going to need someone to accompany me. I will be your friend. I help you carry you. It won't be long, but I'm going to need someone to read Le on Me When You're Not Strong. I will be your friend. It will not be long. I'll go with someone. I will be your friend. I will help you with everything