Farewell, mother f*@%*r
Quiet family funeral for Pryor
Richard Pryor has been laid to rest in a private family funeral in Los Angeles.
Comedians and some family members attended the low-key memorial, a week after his death from a heart attack at the age of 65.
‘It was sad but joyous,’ comic Mike Epps said afterwards. ‘It was the way I think Richard would have loved it to be’
A video of Pryor's movie and stage performances was played during the service, and Diana Ross, who appeared with Pryor in the films The Wiz and Lady Sings The Blues, sang Amazing Grace
Comedian George Lopez said Pryor ‘meant everything to me. He was the one person who filled my house with his voice and made me not feel lonely, and made me feel my life could be worth something and that my pain could be currency for laughs.’
And fellow comic Monique added that it was ‘very intimate, very small’.
‘We all just got together and kissed him away,’ she added. ‘See you later Richard, see you when we get there. But don't call me no time soon.’
Although yesterday’s funeral was a private event, Pryor’s widow Jennifer has said that a major benefit gig celebrating her husband’s lifeis planned for next month.
Published: 18 Dec 2005
