Richard Pryor, the incredibly inventive comedian, made an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson where he shared hilarious anecdotes and showcased his unique comedic style. Pryor, who had just finished filming the movie “Uptown Saturday Night” and was set to appear on the Martin Luther King special, was warmly welcomed by the audience.
Pryor began his set by reminiscing about his upbringing in Peoria, Illinois. He talked about how he would hang out with the Winos on Sundays to escape the dullness of his hometown. These Winos, known for their friendly nature, would strike up conversations with anyone, even asking peculiar questions like, “Where’d you get that cake?” or “Who’s your people?” Pryor’s portrayal of their interactions had the audience in stitches.
The comedian also spoke about his love for going to bars and watching fights, particularly when people got drunk. He mentioned a friend of his, Allwell, who was known for confronting the police and causing trouble. Pryor humorously described how the police would try to control the situation, but Allwell’s imposing figure and fearless attitude made it difficult for them. The audience couldn’t help but laugh at Pryor’s spot-on impersonations.
Pryor then shifted gears and talked about the unpredictable behavior he witnessed at bars. He recounted instances where some intoxicated individuals would pick fights with women, leading to chaos. Pryor’s comedic take on these situations had the audience roaring with laughter.
The conversation with Johnny Carson turned towards Pryor’s experience of co-writing the script for the hit movie “Blazing Saddles,” directed by Mel Brooks. Pryor described the script as one of the craziest he had ever read, filled with absolute nonsense. However, he acknowledged the genius of both Brooks and the movie itself, praising their unmatched comedic talent.
Carson also asked Pryor about his recent performances in Washington, D.C. Pryor revealed that it was his first concert, and he had initially been apprehensive about the turnout. However, to his delight, the shows were a smashing success, proving his comedic prowess and popularity. The conversation between Pryor and Carson was filled with banter and laughter, evidencing their great chemistry.
As the interview came to a close, Pryor shared a childhood memory of wearing a cowboy suit and accidentally falling into dog poop in front of his family. This incident, although embarrassing for Pryor at the time, drew laughter from his family and became an early lesson in comedy. Pryor emphasized that making people laugh with silly sounds and voices was a surefire way to get hooked on comedy.
Richard Pryor‘s appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was a captivating and humorous experience. His ability to depict real-life scenarios with a comedic twist and his unique storytelling style left the audience in awe. Pryor’s spot-on impersonations and hilarious anecdotes made for an unforgettable night of laughter and entertainment.
Originally aired on January 17, 1974
