Richard Pryor On His Addictions and Being Raised in a Brothel

Richard Pryor On His Addictions and Being Raised in a Brothel | The Dick Cavett Show

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4 жыл бұрын

Richard Pryor shed light on his unconventional upbringing, his childhood growing up in a brothel and how he's left his addictions in the past.
Date aired - 12/16/1985 - Richard Pryor
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Dick Cavett has been nominated for eleven Emmy awards (the most recent in 2012 for the HBO special, Mel Brooks and Dick Cavett Together Again), and won three. Spanning five decades, Dick Cavett’s television career has defined excellence in the interview format. He started at ABC in 1968, and also enjoyed success on PBS, USA, and CNBC.
His most recent television successes were the September 2014 PBS special, Dick Cavett’s Watergate, followed April 2015 by Dick Cavett’s Vietnam. He has appeared in movies, tv specials, tv commercials, and several Broadway plays. He starred in an off-Broadway production ofHellman v. McCarthy in 2014 and reprised the role at Theatre 40 in LA February 2015.
Cavett has published four books beginning with Cavett (1974) and Eye on Cavett (1983), co-authored with Christopher Porterfield. His two recent books -- Talk Show: Confrontations, Pointed Commentary, and Off-Screen Secrets (2010) and Brief Encounters: Conversations, Magic moments, and Assorted Hijinks(October 2014) are both collections of his online opinion column, written for The New York Times since 2007. Additionally, he has written for The New Yorker, TV Guide, Vanity Fair, and elsewhere.
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Пікірлер: 426

@Peppersfirst 4 жыл бұрын

Cavett opens up and shares that story specifically for Richard. Shows what kind of person Dick is. He didn't care about his image. He felt like a friend to Richard, a human being. This was real talk. Bless them both.

@iiPotatoes 4 жыл бұрын

I've been watching a lot of these Dick Cavett clips and something I've noticed that I really like and sets him apart is that not only does he have that late night charm and is funny, but he's a real human. He's not very performative. He's there, as a person, talking to you. Personally I think Conan has the same attributes.

@QueenetBowie 4 жыл бұрын

S Mavi, yeah I knew about his depression, I was wondering if that’s what he was referring to when he said people thought he “didn’t have demons chasing him, but are wrong”

@tasosdiaforetico7377 4 жыл бұрын

Totally agreed both great

@sts3884 4 жыл бұрын

Really brave to do that.

@Peppersfirst 4 жыл бұрын

@@sts3884 Agreed. It's always nice to see humans acting with an open heart. Even more so nowadays.

@franksfiddle9031 4 жыл бұрын

"I hated someone once for 30 seconds and didn't like it" - the more I see this guy talking the more I admire him.

@RyanAustinDean 4 жыл бұрын

“I was seven when this horrific thing happened to me, and I’m still dealing with the trauma...” (Crowd erupts with laughter)

@oreally8605 4 жыл бұрын

Crowd were a bunch of SCUMBAGS

@jihadshadee1558 4 жыл бұрын

I'm feeling all of you all's comments!

@justbeyondthecornerproduct3540 4 жыл бұрын

That's the 70s for you, men in emotional pain is hilarious

@willmosse3684 4 жыл бұрын

Yeah, it’s weird watching this reaction in 2019. Different times.

@davidgo8874 4 жыл бұрын

In all fairness guys, they are both comedians and the audience was probably unsure how to react when they started talking seriously. I think they were laughing because they were still in laughing mode. Also, it's hard to tell when Dick is making a joke sometimes because of his deadpan delivery. They hushed up for the most part but a few were definitely too quick to laugh. The really giggly ones were probably stoned, after all it was the 70's. They're not scumbags or idiots, they're people at a comedy show.

@Wrz2e 4 жыл бұрын

"Schools don't teach you to feel." 💔

@daveerwin6981 4 жыл бұрын

that was thought provoking

@onlyjoetee 4 жыл бұрын

It’s not the job of school to teach you to feel it’s their job to teach you to think....

@Wrz2e 4 жыл бұрын

@@onlyjoeteeperhaps schools need a change in their direction.

@romancandlefight1144 4 жыл бұрын

Imagine how well that would go... The bullies having even more ammunition to psychologically destroy their victims

@asong4thedead 4 жыл бұрын

@@romancandlefight1144 Or the bullies would be able to express themselves, and not take their anger out on others.

@jamesh8654 4 жыл бұрын

Richard was brutally honest.. I believe that’s why he was so appealing

@jackhale371 4 жыл бұрын

One of the many reasons why he was so appealing (:

@brianpaschal5430 4 жыл бұрын

I couldn't agree with you more about his brutal honesty Mr. J H and Mr. Jack Hale.

@monstersofthemidway4402 3 жыл бұрын

And how he still found a way to make a joke about it. Some time its just part of life. For some ppl. Sad but true.

@Polyglot_English 3 жыл бұрын

Taiwan is a country 🇹🇼 🇹🇼 🇹🇼

@blipblip88 3 жыл бұрын

Pryor's act was an amalgam of honesty, acute observation, self deprecation, shock, and tenderness. Quite unique.

@JC-gq2lo 2 жыл бұрын

🎯

@tds42099 2 жыл бұрын

Another comic that came to mind w those traits is Patrice O Neal

@tds42099 2 жыл бұрын

Except the tenderness 😂

@pauli2021 Жыл бұрын

I’m 56 years old and as a child I can remember my father listening to Mr Richard Prior on cassette.He didn’t allow us to listen to him because he thought it was only for adults and here I am listening to this very calm demeanor man,and the more I watch him the more I want to hear him..He’s such a wonderful human being.Bless his soul.

@tarnopol 3 жыл бұрын

"There is no place to teach us about feeling in school." Spot on. Richard was an extremely perceptive and intelligent man, obviously. Can't be that good a standup--or actor--and not be.

@DavidWaeldervideo 4 жыл бұрын

Brave men able to take themselves seriously in the right ways . Heroes.

@phoenixzappa7366 4 жыл бұрын

What do you mean

@mistaleesreversespeech7728 3 жыл бұрын

Dick is Super-high.

@Polyglot_English 3 жыл бұрын

Taiwan is a country 🇹🇼 🇹🇼

@devlin7575 2 жыл бұрын

Especially in that period … The audience I don’t think were impolite per se, I think they were confused when to laugh and not. Just my opinion of course.

@PatBatemanAtDorsia 4 жыл бұрын

that book throw was epic.

@nowhereman6019 4 жыл бұрын

Agreed. Perfect comedic timing.

@SamiShah2004 4 жыл бұрын

Let's see Paul Allen's book throw

@nikhilmakwana9522 3 жыл бұрын

Good practical effect

@ReverendMuncle 3 жыл бұрын

Word

@bderrick4944 2 жыл бұрын

Yea. His early book throws were a little too new wave for my tastes. But when this book throw came out in ‘85, I think he really came into his own- commercially and artistically.

@kosmosyche Жыл бұрын

I'm not an American, so until recently I didn't even know about Dick Cavett, I thought American TV has always been stupid and pandering to the lowest common denominator, but man am I happy I discovered this guy. In my opinion he is one of the best interviewers I've ever seen. And the idea that I can watch so many of those great interviews with so many legends from 40-50 years ago is quite frankly awesome. Deep respect to Dick Cavett and his rich legacy as an interviewer he preserved for us to dive into.

@adxthree4199 Жыл бұрын

@ensconse Lester Maddox’s interview was boorish because Lester Maddox was a boor. The person who came out of that interview best was someone who wasn’t even involved: Randy Newman

@TJ-kk5zf 4 жыл бұрын

classy show where people could actually talk

@mrslassiter2649 4 жыл бұрын

Yes I've been stuck over an hour watching

@robertbates6249 4 жыл бұрын

I really enjoy these they are un rehearsed and un polished

@bookwoman53 3 жыл бұрын

It’s great to watch an unrushed interview with a fascinating person.

@devenulmer 4 жыл бұрын

You can look in his eyes and see he was sad about something.. his eyes had pain

@JIMEYZ 4 жыл бұрын

Probably that he has to suffer through an interview with corny-ass Dick Cavett

@AIRSOFTRAIDERS1 4 жыл бұрын

James Boyd you know this was like the 70s or 80s right what you expect

@benevolent2077 4 жыл бұрын

dude hated white people lowkey. which is bs cause no all white people are bad. like not all black people are bad at all

@Bhodisatvas 4 жыл бұрын

The best comedians carry their pain inside. When looking at his life he tried to kill that pain with drink, drugs and women and never found relief.

@Ross_England 4 жыл бұрын

It's probably more that he's just tired. I'm tired now. I'm only 41.

@galesito1733 3 жыл бұрын

"well tell us about it, Dick" I love when Pryor did that voice.

@jaidonjackson5745 4 жыл бұрын

Richard was really a depressed and traumatised man behind the teeth an smile

@backcombed2559 3 жыл бұрын

you get it mate

@11Texpress 2 жыл бұрын

I’m a 36 white woman and my mother was so upset when he died. I kind of knew about his genius at that time but I was so young. But I saw first hand how she reacted when he died and that broke my heart: Ever since I have loved Richard Pryor, and he will always hold a special place in my heart. Even now, my mother is 67, because of her Richard Pryor will always be in my heart. Any time I bring him up she gets so sad and talks about his performances in such a heartfelt way. It absolutely breaks my heart because he was so awesome!!

@bloodaonadeline8346 5 ай бұрын

you can be white and like a black person you don’t have to tell us you’re white.

@horus1971 4 жыл бұрын

Very intelligent brother with a true heart of Gold. Unfortunately, Most people never saw

@mozfonky 4 жыл бұрын

come on now, some of us really loved that man. I still miss him, grew up on him.

@kingbrianboru4188 4 жыл бұрын

@@mozfonky i grew up on him and i live in ireland , he was huge over here

@donabeyta252 4 жыл бұрын

I saw it.and i was young and white. Im sometimes disappointed in my people.

@maskedmarvyl4774 4 жыл бұрын

I read a few statements by Richard Pryor. I don't know how he could have had a sadder or more abusive childhood than he did. That he became the world's most famous standup comedian is astonishing. I wish he hadn't turned to drugs and had been raised in a loving, non-abusive household. Actually, I wish we all had.....

@watchingyou5003 4 жыл бұрын

What and incredibly odd conversation to have on tv back then. I never knew this about either of them. I applaud both of them to be open and honest about horrifically personal things that happened to them. Who would ever know that these two would ever be able to have a meeting of the minds on something as real as this. Excellent interview. Shockingly honest. Brave.

@TeachAManToAngle 4 жыл бұрын

I’d love to see real conversation like that today.

@goldiesincity8005 4 жыл бұрын

Richard Pryor was a real straight forward person on a serious side.

@robertocruz8429 4 жыл бұрын

🙏R.I.P Legend Richard Pryor

@fytc910 Жыл бұрын

I know exactly what Richard means about addiction and the hatred. I'm struggling with addiction myself and I don't recognize myself anymore sometimes. Drugs make the anger worse. When i wasn't using, I could get angry but not nearly as bad. I hope to finally put this addiction to rest very very soon. I'm trying. Gonna give it my best tomorrow and never look back. I wanna be happy again. R.I.P to Richard. I wish I could sit down with him right now. I definitely could use his support and advice.

@zackwebb8697 Жыл бұрын

Hope alls well on your side of things. I've dealt with addiction and am in a better place now, it will get better I promise if you're ready to deal with it. Let me know how you're doing! Maybe I can even answer questions if you have any. Much love to you and yours

@TheTalkWatcher 4 жыл бұрын

Dick Cavett was/is one of the best interviewers in the business. I love his show. It's great that we can watch him on KZfaq.

@sjrilla3210 4 жыл бұрын

Wow,,, just wow.... Both were giving it all up in this interview, very different times....I'm literally in the middle of some horrible shit and this recommendation, was what I needed to hear...Always speak your truth

@thomaswyrick4648 4 жыл бұрын

Hopefully whatever you were going through has passed.

@Patrick96322 4 жыл бұрын

That ''hate'' thing... pretty powerful !

@Zb_Calisthenic 3 жыл бұрын

The unbridled humility in this interview. wow

@Patrick96322 4 жыл бұрын

''they don't wanna drink alone !''

@electricjellyfish375 4 жыл бұрын

It's good to share pain. We're not running from our demons. We're running from our pain.

@salubriousinfo 3 жыл бұрын

School doesn't teach us about feelings..... That is so deep. School has failed us.

@buntaii9878 3 жыл бұрын

Richard was a tortured soul. Who left us with a great Legacy! Same can be said for Robin Williams and John Belushi also. 3 Legends that will never be forgotten.

@laloscutit 4 жыл бұрын

Damn this interview holds weight even today

@nickcarter4006 3 жыл бұрын

"They don't want to drink alone." There's so much wisdom in that cast-off line at the end that most people don't realize. When you clean up, your party friends still want you to be around them doing what they're doing so it seems normal and they don't think about how their habits affect their life. So you'll see them pressuring people to do what they're doing with them, and otherwise nice friendly people can get resentful or bitter when you reject their invitation.

@freddiemontanez8461 4 жыл бұрын

When I told a friend that I don't drink anymore and it's been 3yrs. He said he didn't believe me. That I probably drink at home. But ever since I stopped drinking. I eat better . sleep better and feel good. And people drink around me and it doesn't bother me or make me drink.

@marcmoretti2502 4 жыл бұрын

You can see so clearly how his style influenced Dave Chappelle in this interview

@lawsonvaughan2278 4 жыл бұрын

I didn’t even realize they were talking about getting molested because the crowd was dying with laughter :/

@rachele3334 4 жыл бұрын

Seriously, what the heck? Everything they were saying was really sad and horrible and the audience was like, “BAHAHAHAHAHA!!!” Disgusting.

@DeirdreEmm 3 жыл бұрын

Richard Pryor was an amazing talent and in this interview he seems like such a true gentleman.

@sampelletier5083 4 жыл бұрын

I honestly thought Cavett was setting up a joke with his story about being molested. Then no punchline. But the sociopath crowd still found it hilarious.

@Rawvitality94 4 жыл бұрын

lmfao

@ahmahtiyehudim7307 4 жыл бұрын

@@Rawvitality94 , why are you laughing?

@Rawvitality94 4 жыл бұрын

@@ahmahtiyehudim7307 what do u think?

@ahmahtiyehudim7307 4 жыл бұрын

@@Rawvitality94 ,well the man made a serious comment about someone being molested or being forced to do something to another extremely inappropriate, and that the people still laughed even though it wasn't a joke with a punch line, and that that made them sociopath. I would say since you laughed about it , that makes you one of the sociopaths as well.

@Rawvitality94 4 жыл бұрын

@@ahmahtiyehudim7307 orrrrrrr I laughed at the fact that he's right about his inference and the mentality of the people and that's a bit sad but too true and it applys even in today's time. You could have weighed the options out and left me alone. lol You just want to be problematic. Not with me on today. Have a great day!

@liteskinnedbobbybrown6256 4 жыл бұрын

My greatest favorite & most influential comedian of all time❤

@meeeka 4 жыл бұрын

Pryor has such an authentic laugh.

@randolfo1265 3 жыл бұрын

Pryor 'hated once, for about thirty seconds' and did not like the feeling . . . Nobody bares their soul like this today. He was a changed man by this time in his life.

@Orion227 4 жыл бұрын

Take note, he said the demons stay asleep when he doesn’t drink alcohol and do dope! Wise man that we should learn from.

@stevegreen9460 4 жыл бұрын

thought cavvetts style of interveiwing would bring a great interveiw with pryor and it did. pryor was so carlm and matter of fact off stage when talking with people. get the feeling he didnt like people who tried to hard to be funny in interviews with him. it seemed to put him off, or he didnt like the it being fake. he has such a simple way of talking and a desire to to be real and say things in a very frank and stright faward way. very smart switched on guy pryor, really miss him.

@crvenazvezda1575 2 жыл бұрын

Complicated guy but very funny and very addictive character. Legend.

@mantra3000 4 жыл бұрын

Wow what he gets out of Pryor is incredible.

@jackhale371 4 жыл бұрын

Lol Pryor will talk like this to anyone!!

@maxfirefantasyreport 4 жыл бұрын

Really? Prior is an open book. ..you must be easy to impress.

@brabbit3389 4 жыл бұрын

What went into Pryor too was incredible, I’m surprised he was around for as long as he was - legend

@streakfighter 4 жыл бұрын

"and a guy with a rain coat" ... "I would hope!" So quick

@Chrisdrumz 4 жыл бұрын

A young Cavett molested by a man in trenchcoat in movie theater at young age= comedy gold.........🤨 They are discussing seriously troubling issues and the audience finds it hysterical. Perhaps it's a reaction to Pryor and Cavett laughing.

@SaraSmile70 4 жыл бұрын

Christopher Bassett sometimes you laugh to keep from crying 😢

@willmosse3684 4 жыл бұрын

I don’t think an audience would react that way to that story today

@steruane3723 4 жыл бұрын

It’s obviously a way of dealing with it takes the power out of the abusers

@donabeyta252 4 жыл бұрын

People Laugh when nervous

@no1nestandsalone387 4 жыл бұрын

Christopher Bassett it’s awkward laughs... ppl do it in awkward situations so they can deal with what they r hearing.. or in uncomfortable situations.. i do it sometimes...

@quietsparklez11 4 жыл бұрын

True game changers right here. Love, respect and admiration for both

@realrivalent9261 4 жыл бұрын

The book throw was classic 😂😂😂

@elainegate5686 4 жыл бұрын

Great interview, Pryor makes you laugh most because he makes you think....those eyes have a story all their own

@Lordpoliticallyincorrect 4 жыл бұрын

*Ah the good old days when people could talk the most serious and personal issues on TV as gentlemen and gentlewomen in mutual respect. We don't have this anymore.*

@jamesviice4217 4 жыл бұрын

3:38 "i was born in my mothers' womb" R. Pryor

@ZombiesAreJerks 4 жыл бұрын

"Richard Pryor talks about his addiction...also Dick Cavett talks about being sexually assaulted as a child I guess."

@noradosmith 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah it shows how different times were then. People were actually less caring and there was a LOT more abuse happening. The fact that Dick Cavett feels he needs to make a self deprecating joke about his experience is kind of sad.

@billyirving8699 4 жыл бұрын

Talk to someone if u got something that happened when you was young there is people out there that will listen and help just talk to someone

@NaturalElicia 4 жыл бұрын

The audience wouldn’t be quiet to get the in depth look into his life.

@matty3308 4 жыл бұрын

to the point they were making me angry lol

@sophiadavenport3959 4 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately most comedians like Richard Pryor have sad and very traumatic childhood experiences.

@FlyingElvis1000 4 жыл бұрын

I can see why you would say that. But is it just a perception? Is it just that we remember when these entertainers have these stories? I would guess that most have normal lives yet we remember the ones that have the wild stories.

@david-pb4bi 4 жыл бұрын

@@FlyingElvis1000 If it was true having a traumatic life sporned talent? Maybe we should put the poor unfortunate who has had good upbringing and overcome that and still made it (whatever made it is) on a higher pedistal

@onlyjoetee 4 жыл бұрын

All comedians are very miserable ppl....

@roccosiffredi6427 4 жыл бұрын

Who else?

@peppypp 4 жыл бұрын

Of course it’s true. True comedy is from having lived and survived through immense pain and anxiety.

@paulkitt5599 4 жыл бұрын

Good to hear pryor speak with clarity and honesty about himself not a perfect human being just doing the best that he can

@IgiWhiteman 4 жыл бұрын

Damn it. They talk about such painful things, but the way they talk about it is so human and natural, I can´t stop watching.

@lgndnhswnmnd 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this post! Grateful for KZfaq!

@Keaks_ 2 ай бұрын

You could see how much respect Pryor had for Cavett, some glances he gave him where he could tell he was actually being listened to and understood.

@monstersofthemidway4402 3 жыл бұрын

Wow so real in interview, I can relate to almost everything The Legend Rychard Pryor had been throughout.

@Keaks_ 2 ай бұрын

As a person from the UK and also being the age I am, I had never heard about Dick Cavett or his show. He has some of the most incredible interviews I have ever watched, it is people genuinely having a conversation instead of whatever the f talk shows are now.

@luciferslettuce 4 жыл бұрын

I wish Richard Pryor was around today!

@Kee2Oz 4 жыл бұрын

The audience confirmed that laughter and ridicule are what await you if you admit to being molested. And I thought maturity and empathy were just now starting to go extinct.

@isabeld.3795 4 жыл бұрын

Exactly! I totally agree!

@zorroonmilkavitch1840 4 жыл бұрын

@Heywood Jablowme speak for yourself

@blueberrycobbler 4 жыл бұрын

zorroon milkavitch So you do know that you are admitting to being a “weak sniveler” by telling the other commenter to speak for himself?

@elijahgavin6706 4 жыл бұрын

Heywood Jablowme you think treating real instances of molestation as serious and unfunny issues is a sign of weakness, you’re seriously out of touch. The laughter was uncomfortable if anything.

@murkeywaters850 3 жыл бұрын

There's signs that light up that say lauph where the audience sits

@janedow1319 Жыл бұрын

Just a simple stage setting, with great conversation. Boy, do I miss the great talk shows of the 50s, 60s, 70, and 80s.

@sharonwright1631 4 жыл бұрын

Great interview

@kevinhillary4057 4 жыл бұрын

0:59 the best comedic timing in history

@Nebraskagal 2 жыл бұрын

I can't believe how much Richard Pryor's son Richard Pryor Jr looks like his dad he's just amazingly similar. I mean not that you shouldn't look like your dad or whatever but man there's a huge similarity.

@Polyglot_English 3 жыл бұрын

It's the first time I've seen Dick Cavett but he's mr. Rogers levels of genuine and caring it seems.

@JJJ-io6sc 3 жыл бұрын

The eyes don’t like..so much pain.

@Onlinesully 3 жыл бұрын

that's a real good Pryor interview. Its also a good comment about hate.

@irishelk3 4 жыл бұрын

This is one of the most genuine and honest shows that they had over in America, kind of ahead of its time. This was the golden age of the American hero

@nonya9506 4 жыл бұрын

This is amazing.

@Nebraskagal 2 жыл бұрын

I enjoy watching these olds shows it brings up a lot of memories I can't believe they used to just smoke everywhere all over TV you never see that nowadays

@snack4458 3 жыл бұрын

I have never heard something so beautiful.

@NikolaTesla3 Жыл бұрын

He was so effortlessly profound

@jeaniechowdhury6739 3 жыл бұрын

I wish that talk shows were still good like this.

@graxjpg 3 жыл бұрын

Pryor demonstrated a mastery of all forms of art involved with stand up comedy and that’s why he’s the best

@RollingOrmond 4 жыл бұрын

Jo Jo Dancer was a great biopic - Richard's honesty about his brothel upbringing, dealing with the mob as a stand-up, etc.

@mirellagibeau1069 4 жыл бұрын

I am crying so hard

@glasgowrangers5583 4 жыл бұрын

He was so funny in see no evil hear no evil a true comedy legend 💙

@chrisbatchelor3717 3 жыл бұрын

I just googled Dick cavit is still living 84yo

@kevymaeohara2487 8 ай бұрын

I ❤️ RICHARD PRYOR.

@backdraft6290 3 жыл бұрын

Real conversation.

@oggyreidmore 2 жыл бұрын

"There's no place to teach about feelings in school." It's easier to control people who don't understand themselves. The sad news is, it's gotten worse. They've got states legislating that you're not allowed to even teach things that might make some students uncomfortable. Shelter one group, ignore another. Either way, no one learns how to constructively express and maturely deal with their own feelings about any number of issues. Openness=understanding=solidarity.

@MilesAway31 2 жыл бұрын

I love Richard Pryor.

@JonBlondell 4 жыл бұрын

What a sweet man.

@PRmoustache88 4 жыл бұрын

Wow, Dick Whitman had the same childhood.

@somchai9033 4 жыл бұрын

He’ll always be Don Draper to me.

@DM0407 4 жыл бұрын

The Dick Cavett Show is a national treasure. I wouldn't be surprised if he had some inspiration on the show in general.

@patswayze7359 4 жыл бұрын

Legend

@Fatherofheroesandheroines 2 жыл бұрын

" I wish there was a copy of my book here" ...tada! Magic!

@andydixon2980 9 ай бұрын

That last statement from Pryor is very true.

@robertbates6249 4 жыл бұрын

kudos to Cavett for being honest

@mikecronis 4 жыл бұрын

Amazing.

@anothermike4825 2 жыл бұрын

For all the people who hate addicts, demons = trauma. Trauma they might not know they have, but if you listen to Pryor's albums, the trauma is apparent.