Pryor slams 'sanctimonious hypocrite'

Richard Pryor’s wife Jennifer has launched a blistering attack on his one-time co-star Gene Wilder as a “sanctimonious hypocrite” who only got famous on her husband’s coat-tails.

Her savage diatribe comes in response to a passage Wilder is believed to written in his memoirs, claiming Pryor was high on drugs and making unreasonable demands during the shooting of See No Evil Hear No Evil in 1989.

Jennifer admits Pryor was “using [drugs] sporadically” but said her husband was “nothing but cooperative and fun”.

At the time of filming, Wilder’s wife, comic Gilda Radner, was just months away from dying of cancer – which, Pryor says, made him the difficult one.

Writing on her official website for Pryor, Jennifer wrote: “It was a difficult time for Gene because of his wife's illness but Richard was upset because of some of Gene's actions that certify him as a raging hypocrite.

“This really bothered Richard. Gene's role as a saint is less than perfect - his role is that of sanctimonious hypocrite, and believe me, Richard filled me in plenty.

“They were never friends and this is why: one tells the truth and the other doesn't know what the fuck it is.

“Apparently Gene believes in trashing people when they are sick. He has a lot of nerve to knock Richard. So he is our nominee and winner of the hypocrisy and medicority award.

“Yo Gene: when you're looking back with bitterness towards Richard Pryor, you should also be fucking grateful you had a good ride on those coattails!  And take a good look at yourself, while you’re at it... motherfucker!”

Published: 22 Feb 2005