On a recent episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, comedian Richard Pryor made a triumphant return to the stage after a life-changing incident. Pryor, known for his wit and unique comedic style, had set himself on fire a year prior to the interview, resulting in severe burns and a long road to recovery.
Host Johnny Carson introduced Pryor with heartfelt words, expressing gratitude for his guest’s presence and praising his resilience. “Richard Pryor is a survivor,” Carson declared, “and when he is on, I don’t think there’s anybody who is funnier or more inventive than Richard Pryor.”
As Pryor made his entrance to thunderous applause, it was evident that the audience shared Carson’s sentiment. Pryor appeared somewhat emotional, acknowledging the warm reception from the crowd. “Oh, you mean it,” he said, touched by the genuine support.
Carson wasted no time in addressing Pryor’s recent ordeal, asking how he was feeling. True to his comedic nature, Pryor replied, “Don’t do that to me,” eliciting laughter from the studio audience. He went on to explain that when he first arrived at the hospital after the incident, he was in shock and recalled steam emanating from his burned body.
The interview delved into Pryor’s experience during his hospitalization, including the excruciating pain he endured and the challenges he faced. Pryor shared an anecdote about a nurse informing him that he could ask for pain medication, to which he responded with disbelief. “All I had to do was ask?” he exclaimed humorously.
Despite the physical and emotional hurdles Pryor faced, he expressed his gratitude for life. “Life is important because when that fire jumped on mine, all I could think about was life,” he confessed. His brush with death had reaffirmed the value of every moment.
Carson also addressed the rumors surrounding Pryor’s drug use, referring to a recent story in the National Enquirer. Pryor vehemently denied the allegations, expressing his disappointment in the publication’s lack of accuracy. He had reached out to them personally to dispute the claims, and the matter seemed to be resolved. Pryor made it clear that he had moved past that part of his life.
The conversation then shifted to Pryor’s future plans, including his decision to relocate to Hawaii. He revealed that he had built a home there and was eager to indulge his passion for flying planes. Pryor had recently obtained his pilot’s license and planned to have his plane shipped to Africa, where he hoped to assist with providing aid to those in need.
As the interview concluded, Pryor expressed his excitement about returning to performing and hinted at upcoming projects. He mentioned a movie he had worked on with Gene Wilder, set to be released in December, and a film with Cecily Tyson. Despite his time off, Pryor’s love for his craft was evident.
The episode closed with a warm exchange between Carson and Pryor, with the former extending an invitation for his friend to visit him in Hawaii. They joked about starting their own airline, the “Bozo Brothers Trans Debris.” Laughter filled the room as Pryor embraced the joy of the moment.
This unforgettable interview showcased Richard Pryor‘s resilience, wit, and determination to overcome adversity. It was a reminder of why Pryor was considered one of the greatest comedians of his time and a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of entertainment.
Originally aired on September 5, 1980
