R.I.P, Richard Pryor, and other thoughts...

Just saw on the 'net that Richard Pryor passed away (photo from www.tvparty.com).

I am not a specialist on the subject of comedy, just on who and what makes ME laugh. I always thought Richard Pryor was funny, although to be honest, I was a little kid when he was doing a lot of his standup and didn't get the jokes. I mostly knew of him from TV and the movies.

As I grew older, it was cool to listen to Pryor's records/tapes when your mom wasn't around because you knew she'd bust your ass listening to him rave and rant as only he could. I was in the 5th or 6th grade when he had his brush with death courtesy of a coke pipe and high flammability, and I was amazed that he survived it. I think he was too, ya know? But still, I'm sure my parents were like, "What does our white daughter think she has in common with a dirty-mouthed black comedian?"

Well, I felt like I didn't fit into society either, and it was easier to make people laugh than it was to outrun them. It was just a matter of Pryor being able to make you laugh and think at the same time. What a radical concept...*Sudiegirl rolls eyes*

It was sad to see Pryor falter and slow down due to multiple sclerosis, but so good to see him get his "props" from other comedians through the years like Eddie Murphy and other comics he influenced. (And BTW, I liked "Another You". I thought it was funny!)

Mr. Pryor, thanks for making this small-town girl see that there is life and humor beyond the cornfields surrounding her house. Rest in peace, and go hang with my dad in heaven for a bit. You'll get along with him, I guarantee.

OK...other topics...

Anyway, I'd better go. I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.

Frostily yours,
Sudiegirl