Watch The Last Days of Richard Pryor

The Last Days of Richard Pryor is a documentary about the life and career of legendary comedian Richard Pryor. The film examines the final years of Pryor's life, during which he battled illness and continued to perform despite deteriorating health. The documentary features interviews with Pryor's family, friends, and colleagues, as well as archival footage of his performances.

The film begins by exploring Pryor's early life, including his upbringing in Peoria, Illinois, and his early career as a stand-up comedian. It then delves into Pryor's rise to fame in the 1970s, when he became one of the most popular and influential comedians in the world. The documentary highlights Pryor's ability to tackle controversial issues such as race, sexuality, and drug addiction with humor and honesty.

As Pryor's health began to decline in the 1990s, the documentary shows how he continued to perform despite his physical limitations. The film explores Pryor's struggles with multiple sclerosis, a disease that left him confined to a wheelchair and unable to speak without the aid of a computerized voice. Despite these challenges, Pryor remained committed to his craft, performing stand-up comedy on television and at live events until shortly before his death in 2005.

Throughout the film, viewers are treated to clips of some of Pryor's most iconic performances, including his appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, Saturday Night Live, and his concert film Live on the Sunset Strip. The documentary also features glimpses into Pryor's personal life, including his marriages and relationships with his children.

The Last Days of Richard Pryor is a poignant and powerful tribute to one of the greatest comedians of all time. It offers a rare glimpse into the man behind the jokes, and shows how Pryor's unique perspective on the world continues to resonate with audiences to this day.

The documentary is directed by Jesse James Miller, who previously directed the documentaries The Good Son: The Life of Ray 'Boom Boom' Mancini and Chasing Evel: The Robbie Knievel Story. It is produced by ABC News, and features interviews with a wide range of figures from the world of comedy, including Dave Chappelle, Lily Tomlin, and Whoopi Goldberg.

Overall, The Last Days of Richard Pryor is a must-see for fans of comedy and anyone interested in the life of one of the most influential and groundbreaking artists of the 20th century. It is a moving and insightful portrait of a man who changed the face of comedy and left a lasting legacy on American culture.