Richard Pryor dead of heart attack at 65

In case you haven’t heard, the legendary comedian we all knew and loved, Richard Pryor, has passed of a heart attack. According to the Associated Press, Pryor was reported to have died shortly before being taken to the hospital from his home in San Fernando Valley. For years the comedian lived with multiple sclerosis, a degenerative disease of the nervous system.

Though most knew Richard Pryor as a great but controversial comedian, he also played a many great not so controversial roles in television and movies. His films included Stir Crazy, Silver Streak, Which Way Is Up? and Richard Pryor Live on the Sunset Strip.

Though nearly losing his life in 1980 to a drug and alcohol addiction which he sometimes pieced into his stand-up, Pryor still and always had a huge following.

His influence showed in many stand-up acts and comedians today, including Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, and others.

Pryor, married six times, leaves behind five children including sons Richard and Steven, and daughters Elizabeth, Rain and Renee.