Variants of episodic and obtrusive players in his life plated a distorted embodiment that lurked in the shadows of the playful innocence and foul-mouthed, yet pardoned irreverence that marked the genius of Richard Pryor's comedic satire. Whether it was an addiction to the drug he called "Lady Cocaine", his passion for, and continual strife, with women or his own struggle with himself and the environment he grew up with, Richard Pryor has always lived on the edge.
In a remarkable attempt to sustain the straight-forward candor that shaped his legend, Pryor's autobiography, Pryor Convictions And Other Life Sentences (Pantheon — $23.00) succeeds. The book is consistent in its graphic portrayal of Pryor's livelihood, as the author holds no punches. This tendency is at its most extreme when Pryor talks about his growing up in a house of prostitution run by his own grandmother, Marie Carter. Throughout his childhood Pryor exposed to domestic violence, racism and even being raped by a man who would one day ask him for his autograph.
Pryor also gives insight to his thirst to become a successful comedian, figuring that if people thought he was funny, then he might as well get paid for it. The book also provides an interesting and humorous exchange between the narrative story and the comedy-etched from the daily drama. Inspired by the likes of Lenny Bruce and Bill Cosby, Pryor began carving a name for himself while working in various nightclubs in his hometown of Peoria, IL and New York City. As his name grew and he received star billing, so did the "monies" which aided in his immense addiction to women and drugs.
The fact that Pryor doesn't blame others for the many dirty deeds that documented his personal life serves as valuable lesson here. While not seeking help enough for his heavy drug, he does admit to his addiction. As for the violence he was exposed to early in his childhood and which continued throughout his adult life, Pryor states: "Violence is like voodoo. The sting is like a hex. You become possessed by each other, locked in a diabolical dance."
Somehow Pryor has been able to survive his own misgivings and lack of self-esteem (wondrous when you consider the confidence he exudes in his live performances), six stormy marriages, continual drug use, heart attacks, six agonizing weeks in a burn unit and now, what may be his toughest challenge, multiple sclerosis. Pryor Convictions candidly takes the reader through it all: from a promising start to an often sordid career and ultimately, a comedic legend's downfall.
Cleon Alert