Nothing like an LA earthquake to get the blood pumping. Everyone feel it? Count yourself #hashtag blessed if you didn’t. OK, back to business everyone! This Friday, March 15th, don’t miss the rumbling debut of I AM Richard Pryor, the latest installment of the “I Am” documentary franchise, on the Paramount Network. Paramount has teamed up with Network Entertainment to bring focus to one of the world’s greatest comedians and actors. The documentary celebrates the life and career of the late pioneer performer who went from rags to riches and left an indelible mark on audiences and the comedy world. Can you believe he’s been almost 15 years?! “I Am Richard Pryor,” which premiered at the SXSW film festival this week, will debut on Paramount Network at 10pm ET/PT Friday, followed by an encore presentation on Comedy Central at 11:30pm ET/PT.
From his first comedy album until his death of a heart attack in 2005, the revolutionary stand-up comedian dispensed what critics regarded as the most poignant and penetrating comedic view of African-American life ever afforded to the U.S. at large. Volatile yet vulnerable, crass but sensitive, streetwise and cocky, Pryor did not simply tell stories, he brought them to life and was considered a trailblazer for generations of comics to come. The film explores his unusually personal art that was a window into a vulnerable soul, as well as the endless struggle to extend dignity and equality to all.
Directed by Jesse James Miller, the documentary is the latest from Network Entertainment’s award-winning filmmaker Derik Murray, who previously produced films on notable figures such as John F. Kennedy Jr., Martin Luther King Jr., Heath Ledger, Bruce Lee, Paul Walker, and Chris Farley. “I Am Richard Pryor” brings it’s viewers archival footage, clips, and exclusive interviews with comedians, filmmakers, family, and friends including Sandra Bernhard, Ron De Blasio, Dr. Todd Boyd, Michael Epps, Tiffany Haddish, Henry Jaglom, Thom Mount, Ishmael Reed, Scott Saul, Michael Schultz, Greg Tate, Lily Tomlin, Rocco Urbisci, Jimmie Walker, Howie Mandel, and Richard Pryor’s widow, Jennifer Pryor. The doc is Executive Produced by Paul Gertz, Kent Wingerak, Paramount Network’s Jaimee Kosanke, and Jennifer Pryor. Because you’ve been extra good, check out this preview featuring comics Tiffany Haddish & Mike Epps sharing their thoughts on Pryor’s comedic influence.
WATCH!
Mentions: Watch I Am Richard Pryor this Friday on Paramount Network (10pm ET/PT) and Comedy Central (11:30 ET/PT). More about the “I Am” series HERE. Photo Credit: Rastar/Kobal/Shutterstock.