Richard Pryor

Best known as an Actor based on credits in that role in 26 films, with $824,443,407 worldwide aggregate box office (rank #5,101)
Best-known acting roles: Harry Monroe (Stir Crazy), Sugar Ray (Harlem Nights), Wallace "Wally" Karue (See No Evil, Hear No Evil), Gus Gorman (Superman III), Balloon Vendor (The Muppet Movie)
Best-known technical roles: Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank (Story Creator), Blazing Saddles (Screenwriter), Richard Pryor Live on the Sunset Strip (Screenwriter), Richard Pryor Live on the Sunset Strip (Producer), Bustin' Loose (Producer)
Born: December 1, 1940
Died: December 10, 2005
                                    

  1. Summary
  2. News
  3. Acting Credits
  4. Technical Credits

Career Summary


  MoviesDomestic
Box Office
International
Box Office
Worldwide
Box Office
As an ActorLeading6$245,033,640$40,000,000$285,033,640
Supporting3$45,541,217$50,200$45,591,417
Lead Ensemble Member2$57,069,188$0$57,069,188
Cameo1$76,657,000$0$76,657,000
Documentary Subject1$0$0$0
(Unclassified)13$339,842,785$20,249,377$360,092,162
In Technical RolesScreenwriter3$172,882,648$1,181$172,883,829
Producer2$66,231,309$0$66,231,309
Story Creator2$49,072,382$22,354,756$71,427,138
Director2$34,190,926$0$34,190,926

Career Trend

This graph shows Richard Pryor’s score on our annual analysis of leading stars at the box office. The Star Score represents points assigned to each of the leading stars of the top 100 movies (based on box office) in the current year and two preceding years. For appearing in the number one movie in a year a star gets 100 points, the number two movie 99 points and so on..

Latest Ranking on Selected Box Office Record Lists


RecordRankAmount
Top 100 Stars in Leading Roles at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 701-800) 796 $302,102,828
Top Stars at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 1,701-1,800) 1,779 $764,143,830
Top 100 Stars in Leading Roles at the International Box Office (Rank 2,901-3,000) 2,925 $40,000,000
Top Stars at the International Box Office (Rank 28,801-28,900) 28,805 $60,299,577
Top 100 Stars in Leading Roles at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 1,301-1,400) 1,304 $342,102,828
Top Stars at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 5,101-5,200) 5,101 $824,443,407
Top Grossing Director at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 1,301-1,400) 1,367 $34,190,926
Top Grossing Producer at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 1,501-1,600) 1,552 $66,231,309
Top Grossing Screenwriter at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 801-900) 810 $172,882,648
Top Grossing Story Creator at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 1,301-1,400) 1,305 $49,072,382
Top Grossing Screenwriter at the International Box Office (Rank 9,401-9,500) 9,467 $1,181
Top Grossing Story Creator at the International Box Office (Rank 1,601-1,700) 1,696 $22,354,756
Top Grossing Director at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 2,101-2,200) 2,196 $34,190,926
Top Grossing Producer at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 2,301-2,400) 2,316 $66,231,309
Top Grossing Screenwriter at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 1,501-1,600) 1,532 $172,883,829
Top Grossing Story Creator at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 1,401-1,500) 1,474 $71,427,138

See the Acting Credits tab for all Acting Box Office Records and the Technical Credits tab for all Technical Box Office Records.


Featured Blu-ray Review: The Muppet Movie

August 11th, 2013

The Muppet Movie came out 34 years ago, which makes it a little strange they are releasing a 35th Anniversary edition Blu-ray this week. Then again, I'm glad I don't have to wait another year to get this movie on Blu-ray, because I loved it as a kid. Does it still hold up decades later? And is the Blu-ray worth picking up if you are a fan of the movie? More...

All Acting Credits



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Release
Date
TitleRoleDomestic
Box Office
International
Box Office
Worldwide
Box Office
Mar 19, 2019I Am Richard Pryor Himself
May 6, 2003Car Wash
Feb 21, 1997Lost Highway Arnie $3,814,727$50,200$3,864,927
Nov 8, 1996Mad Dog Time Jimmie the grave … $80,026$80,026
Jul 26, 1991Another You Eddie Dash $2,697,777$2,697,777
Nov 17, 1989Harlem Nights Sugar Ray $60,857,262$35,000,000$95,857,262
May 12, 1989See No Evil, Hear No Evil Wallace "Wally" K… $46,900,000$46,900,000
Mar 4, 1988Moving Arlo Pear $10,815,378$10,815,378
Jan 16, 1987Critical Condition Eddie/Kevin $20,240,502$20,240,502
May 2, 1986Jo Jo Dancer, Your Lif… Jo Jo Dancer/Alte… $18,034,150$18,034,150
May 22, 1985Brewster's Millions Montgomery Brewster $40,800,000$5,000,000$45,800,000
Oct 28, 1983Richard Pryor Here and… Himself $16,156,776$16,156,776
Jun 17, 1983Superman III Gus Gorman $59,950,623$20,249,377$80,200,000
Dec 10, 1982The Toy Jack Brown $47,118,057$47,118,057
Apr 2, 1982Some Kind of Hero Corporal Eddie Ke… $20,400,486$20,400,486
Mar 12, 1982Richard Pryor Live on … Himself $34,970,309$34,970,309
May 22, 1981Bustin' Loose Joe Braxton $31,261,000$31,261,000
Dec 12, 1980Stir Crazy Harry Monroe $101,300,000$101,300,000
Sep 26, 1980In God We Tru$t G.O.D. $5,215,015$5,215,015
Jun 13, 1980Wholly Moses! Pharaoh $14,155,617$14,155,617
Jun 22, 1979The Muppet Movie Balloon Vendor $76,657,000$76,657,000
Dec 15, 1978California Suite Dr. Chauncey Gump $42,913,571$42,913,571
Oct 24, 1978The Wiz The Wiz $22,000,000$22,000,000
1977Which Way Is Up? Leroy Jones/Rufus… $17,000,000$17,000,000
Dec 3, 1976Silver Streak Grover Muldoon $51,079,064$51,079,064
Oct 20, 1972Lady Sings the Blues Piano Man $19,726,490$19,726,490
 
Averages $31,839,326$15,074,894$34,351,809
Totals 26 $764,143,830$60,299,577$824,443,407


Leading or Lead Ensemble Roles


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Release
Date
TitleOpening
Weekend
Maximum
Theaters
Domestic
Box Office
Worldwide
Box Office
Domestic
Share
May 6, 2003Car Wash
Nov 17, 1989Harlem Nights $16,096,8082,180$60,857,262$95,857,26263.5%
Mar 4, 1988Moving $4,022,7821,404$10,815,378$10,815,378100.0%
May 22, 1985Brewster's Millions $9,858,9051,521$40,800,000$45,800,00089.1%
May 22, 1981Bustin' Loose $4,798,289833$31,261,000$31,261,000100.0%
Dec 12, 1980Stir Crazy $8,691,886813$101,300,000$101,300,000100.0%
Jun 13, 1980Wholly Moses! $3,625,280608$14,155,617$14,155,617100.0%
Dec 15, 1978California Suite $42,913,571$42,913,571100.0%
 
Averages $7,848,9921,227$43,157,547$48,871,83393.2%
Totals 8 $302,102,828$342,102,828


Supporting Roles


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Release
Date
TitleOpening
Weekend
Maximum
Theaters
Domestic
Box Office
Worldwide
Box Office
Domestic
Share
Feb 21, 1997Lost Highway $212,710337$3,814,727$3,864,92798.7%
Oct 24, 1978The Wiz $22,000,000$22,000,000100.0%
Oct 20, 1972Lady Sings the Blues $19,726,490$19,726,490100.0%
 
Averages $212,710337$15,180,406$15,197,13999.6%
Totals 3 $45,541,217$45,591,417

Latest Ranking on All Acting Box Office Record Lists


RecordRankAmount
Top 100 Stars in Leading Roles at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 701-800) 796 $302,102,828
Top 100 Stars in Supporting Roles at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 32,901-33,000) 32,975 $45,541,217
Top Live Action Stars at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 1,601-1,700) 1,697 $687,486,830
Top Above the Line Stars at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 1,301-1,400) 1,317 $420,486,318
Top Below the Line Stars at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 53,301-53,400) 53,306 $3,814,727
Top Stars in Cameo Roles at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 601-700) 643 $76,657,000
Top Stars at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 1,701-1,800) 1,779 $764,143,830
Top 100 Stars in Leading Roles at the International Box Office (Rank 2,901-3,000) 2,925 $40,000,000
Top 100 Stars in Supporting Roles at the International Box Office (Rank 61,101-61,200) 61,117 $50,200
Top Live Action Stars at the International Box Office (Rank 26,301-26,400) 26,384 $60,299,577
Top Above the Line Stars at the International Box Office (Rank 5,701-5,800) 5,712 $40,000,000
Top Below the Line Stars at the International Box Office (Rank 54,501-54,600) 54,502 $50,200
Top Stars at the International Box Office (Rank 28,801-28,900) 28,805 $60,299,577
Top 100 Stars in Leading Roles at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 1,301-1,400) 1,304 $342,102,828
Top 100 Stars in Supporting Roles at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 42,201-42,300) 42,290 $45,591,417
Top Live Action Stars at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 5,001-5,100) 5,020 $747,786,407
Top Above the Line Stars at the Wordwide Box Office (Rank 2,301-2,400) 2,307 $460,486,318
Top Below the Line Stars at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 55,501-55,600) 55,550 $3,864,927
Top Stars in Cameo Roles at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 801-900) 863 $76,657,000
Top Stars at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 5,101-5,200) 5,101 $824,443,407
Highest Grossing Stars of 1980 at the Domestic Box Office 7 237
Highest Grossing Stars of 1981 at the Domestic Box Office 8 226
Highest Grossing Stars of 1982 at the Domestic Box Office 8 226
Highest Grossing Stars of 1983 at the Domestic Box Office 82 79
Highest Grossing Stars of 1985 at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 101-200) 125 80
Highest Grossing Stars of 1986 at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 101-200) 131 80
Highest Grossing Stars of 1987 at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 101-200) 129 80
Highest Grossing Stars of 1988 at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 201-300) 236 18
Highest Grossing Stars of 1989 at the Domestic Box Office 70 98
Highest Grossing Stars of 1990 at the Domestic Box Office 66 98
Highest Grossing Stars of 1991 at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 101-200) 108 80
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Original Screenplay Movies (Rank 401-500) 424 $261,302,828
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Based on Fiction Book/Short Story Movies (Rank 701-800) 756 $40,800,000
Top International Leading Stars for Original Screenplay Movies (Rank 1,901-2,000) 1,974 $35,000,000
Top International Leading Stars for Based on Fiction Book/Short Story Movies (Rank 1,201-1,300) 1,249 $5,000,000
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Original Screenplay Movies (Rank 701-800) 795 $296,302,828
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Based on Fiction Book/Short Story Movies (Rank 1,001-1,100) 1,002 $45,800,000
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Live Action Movies (Rank 501-600) 538 $302,102,828
Top International Leading Stars for Live Action Movies (Rank 2,301-2,400) 2,357 $40,000,000
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Live Action Movies (Rank 901-1,000) 922 $342,102,828
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Contemporary Fiction Movies (Rank 301-400) 398 $227,089,949
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Historical Fiction Movies (Rank 301-400) 350 $60,857,262
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Fantasy Movies (Rank 501-600) 596 $14,155,617
Top International Leading Stars for Contemporary Fiction Movies (Rank 2,901-3,000) 2,931 $5,000,000
Top International Leading Stars for Historical Fiction Movies (Rank 601-700) 628 $35,000,000
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Contemporary Fiction Movies (Rank 701-800) 738 $232,089,949
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Historical Fiction Movies (Rank 401-500) 454 $95,857,262
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Fantasy Movies (Rank 801-900) 808 $14,155,617
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Comedy Movies (Rank 201-300) 207 $200,802,828
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Black Comedy Movies 26 $101,300,000
Top International Leading Stars for Comedy Movies (Rank 601-700) 642 $40,000,000
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Comedy Movies (Rank 201-300) 275 $240,802,828
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Black Comedy Movies 83 $101,300,000
Top Domestic Leading Stars for R Movies (Rank 201-300) 277 $204,233,640
Top Domestic Leading Stars for PG Movies (Rank 601-700) 661 $97,869,188
Top International Leading Stars for R Movies (Rank 1,001-1,100) 1,024 $35,000,000
Top International Leading Stars for PG Movies (Rank 1,301-1,400) 1,334 $5,000,000
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for R Movies (Rank 401-500) 495 $239,233,640
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for PG Movies (Rank 801-900) 895 $102,869,188
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Warner Bros. Movies (Rank 1,001-1,100) 1,060 $10,815,378
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Universal Movies (Rank 301-400) 379 $72,061,000
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Sony Pictures Movies (Rank 701-800) 794 $14,155,617
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Paramount Pictures Movies (Rank 401-500) 432 $60,857,262
Top International Leading Stars for Universal Movies (Rank 601-700) 681 $5,000,000
Top International Leading Stars for Paramount Pictures Movies (Rank 401-500) 464 $35,000,000
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Warner Bros. Movies (Rank 1,101-1,200) 1,104 $10,815,378
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Universal Movies (Rank 501-600) 537 $77,061,000
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Sony Pictures Movies (Rank 801-900) 846 $14,155,617
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Paramount Pictures Movies (Rank 401-500) 479 $95,857,262

All Technical Credits



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Release
Date
TitleRoleDomestic
Box Office
International
Box Office
Worldwide
Box Office
Jul 15, 2022Paws of Fury: The Legend of… Story Creator $17,811,382$22,354,756$40,166,138
May 2, 1986Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life is … Director
Screenwriter
$18,034,150$18,034,150
Oct 28, 1983Richard Pryor Here and Now Director $16,156,776$16,156,776
Mar 12, 1982Richard Pryor Live on the S… Screenwriter
Producer
$34,970,309$34,970,309
May 22, 1981Bustin' Loose Producer
Story by
$31,261,000$31,261,000
Feb 7, 1974Blazing Saddles Screenwriter $119,878,189$1,181$119,879,370
 
Averages $39,685,301$11,177,969$43,411,291
Totals 6 $238,111,806$22,355,937$260,467,743


Director Credits


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Release
Date
TitleOpening
Weekend
Maximum
Theaters
Domestic
Box Office
Worldwide
Box Office
Domestic
Share
May 2, 1986Jo Jo Dancer, Your Lif… $4,879,1071,203$18,034,150$18,034,150100.0%
Oct 28, 1983Richard Pryor Here and… $3,701,6091,411$16,156,776$16,156,776100.0%
 
Averages $4,290,3581,307$17,095,463$17,095,463100.0%
Totals 2 $34,190,926$34,190,926


Producer Credits


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Release
Date
TitleOpening
Weekend
Maximum
Theaters
Domestic
Box Office
Worldwide
Box Office
Domestic
Share
Mar 12, 1982Richard Pryor Live on … $7,780,6931,277$34,970,309$34,970,309100.0%
May 22, 1981Bustin' Loose $4,798,289833$31,261,000$31,261,000100.0%
 
Averages $6,289,4911,055$33,115,655$33,115,655100.0%
Totals 2 $66,231,309$66,231,309


Writer Credits


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Release
Date
TitleOpening
Weekend
Maximum
Theaters
Domestic
Box Office
Worldwide
Box Office
Domestic
Share
Jul 15, 2022Paws of Fury: The Lege… $6,321,4233,481$17,811,382$40,166,13844.3%
May 2, 1986Jo Jo Dancer, Your Lif… $4,879,1071,203$18,034,150$18,034,150100.0%
Mar 12, 1982Richard Pryor Live on … $7,780,6931,277$34,970,309$34,970,309100.0%
May 22, 1981Bustin' Loose $4,798,289833$31,261,000$31,261,000100.0%
Feb 7, 1974Blazing Saddles $119,878,189$119,879,370100.0%
 
Averages $5,944,8781,699$44,391,006$48,862,19388.9%
Totals 5 $221,955,030$244,310,967