Richard Pryor: Groundbreaking Stand-Up Comedian Dies at 65

Richard Pryor was an American comedian and actor widely regarded as one of the greatest stand-up comics. Born on December 1, 1940, in Peoria, Illinois, he was raised in his grandmother's brothel.

Pryor transformed stand-up with raw, personal storytelling about race and addiction. He won five Grammys, an Emmy, and the first Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 1998. He co-wrote Blazing Saddles (1974) and starred in Stir Crazy and Silver Streak with Gene Wilder.

Pryor was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1986. He was badly burned in a 1980 incident and later turned it into comedy. He died of a heart attack in Encino, California, on December 10, 2005, at age 65.

Achievements: Five Grammy Awards, Emmy Award, first Mark Twain Prize (1998).

Birth: December 1, 1940 - Peoria, Illinois.

Profession: Comedian and actor.

Interesting Facts: Comedians from Eddie Murphy to Dave Chappelle have cited him as a primary influence.