Richard Pryor and Jerry Lewis (Merv Griffin Show 1966)

It's safe to say that Richard Pryor got his start on the Merv Griffin Show. In this unique clip from August of 1966, Richard meets his idol Jerry Lewis and the exchange is most hilarious and endearing. Brilliant stuff. Merv Griffin had over 5000 guests appear on his show from 1963-1986. Footage from the Merv Griffin Show is available for licensing to all forms of media through Reelin' In The Years Productions. www.reelinintheyears.com.

[@timhuggins7069]

I'm 60 years young and a huge richard pryor fan. This is the earliest film footage that I've ever seen of Richard. glad I found it. To me Richard IS THE king of comedy

[@lilybond6485]

I hear you and agree but I idolized Jerry Lewis.

[@KnockOffBeingFat]

Richard obviously learned a lot from Jerry about how to get his comedy started and he ran with it. 2 of the best ever.

[@maryelizabethwhite8420]

Jerry Lewis is so disrespectful of the audience. His so-called jokes are at the expense of someone he singles out. Especially disrespectful of women.

[@evonza4858]

I second that emotion 🥰❤️🖤💚

[@williamdiaz1539]

He’s got another, look up 64’

[@vinceedwards3978]

I have never seen Richard Pryor do this kind of physical, slapstick comedy ever!!!! And he still killed it!!!

[@friendswitdadealer]

Wow RIchard melted like a lil kid when Jerry said he was a good comic.....i mean he literally could barely hold himself together. Crazy.

[@nothingsixsixsix]

Jerry Lewis was one of the few famous white entertainers that would take up for black entertainers. He and Frank Sinatra would always have Sammy Davis Jr's back when racism occurred in Hollywood which is saying a lot for their character since, in those days, racism was wildly accepted by the public.

[@lilybond6485]

Yes. I remember getting on the bus in my early teens and seeing the barrier on the seat in the back where “colored people” (which is what they were called) had to sit behind. They could not sit in the front of that barrier. It is really hard to believe that existed -- but that was the norm back then.

[@poetcomic1]

The early Pryor was strangely humble, awkward, even self effacing in a way and a lot of his early routines were molded around his idols. When he came into his own it stunned you. The comic opening orchestra mime bit here is a taste of the Pryor to come.

[@LeePresson]

That was breathtaking. I've never seen Pryor do that kind of pantomime comedy before. What a sweet man he was.

[@Jeremy-th5pt]

He was a great pantomime

[@Stroheim333]

It was a Jerry Lewis pantomime performed by Pryor. And he made it splendidly well.

[@MrWitchman1967]

the richard pryor of the 60's had a totally different act than the richard pryor of the 70's. jerry lewis was still on his game in the 60's too.

[@jt2727]

wow I never saw that! Jerry Lewis and a very young Richard Pryor. my two favorite comedians ever RIP. love and miss them both.

[@Wilcox3]

Richard Pryor and Jerry Lewis... Two Kings of Comedy in the same room. Priceless.

[@suzettebennett2564]

Jerry Lewis was not the king of Comedy. Not even.

[@jerrylewisthekid5479]

@@suzettebennett2564 And who says you? And who would you be? Did you digest badly to write this bullshit or are you one of the usual toxic Dean Martin fans? You are ridiculous :-) kisses!

[@casyatbat]

@@suzettebennett2564 At the time you had Groucho (a king of comedy) Jack Benny, Sid Caesar and others like Don Rickles clearly a king of comedy for that time and after. Subsequently Richard Pryor, George Carlin and some others brought politics and the human condition to comedy in more modern sensibilities. Jerry was a king in his time. Most likely the comment was meant for Martin Scorsese movie "King of Comedy" with Jerry Lewis and Robert De Nero.

[@NoOne-kr4jc]

@@casyatbat Frank Fay was probably another one, but he messed up big time, and rightfully so with that personality.

[@aldeb456]

Wow this is classic! Merv Griffin was very underrated.

[@lilybond6485]

“I’m having enough trouble being Jewish”. 😂😂😂😂 I loved these talk shows when I was a pre-adolescent. Everything clean. Nothing even “off color”. I miss those days. Loved Jerry Lewis and Richard Pryor.

[@gob2poof812]

I took a dislike to jerry lewis cus i heard he was such a tool. But honestly what a good joke lol

[@krlm2280]

I'm a 80s kid and I always love Richard pryor and jerry Lewis movies and thanks to KZbin I found out jerry was a big influence on Richard as a teen two greats rip Richard pryor and jerry lewis

[@fatimahlee7355]

Young Richard Pryor was so cute 😩😍😘 and him being funny made my heart melt even more 😩😂😂

[@jamesfeldman4234]

I don't understand why some people are saying that Richard Pryor here isn't being himself. I watched Richard's career happen in real time, starting when I first saw him as a child on the Ed Sullivan show for the first time. He was hilarious even then, top-notch in both verbal and physical comedy. I'll never forget his bit on Sullivan's show where he enacted the first man arriving on the Sun. But Ricard's comic material and style were only developing at this point, much as George Carlin was a different comic in his earlier years on stage. I think it was beautiful the way Jerry Lewis gave Richard encouragement. Great "senior" comics have tended to help the younger comics, and Jerry is following that tradition. Groucho, Rodney, and Johnny were like that too.

[@pegcage]

Merv: "Am I Jewish now?" Jerry: "One more little job and...." Priceless!

[@lilybond6485]

Richard Pryor was adorable back then. Is it just me --? I remember coming home from school and looked forward to watching Merv Griffin. Kids were outside playing and I’m watching Merv Griffin.

[@hongkongcantonese501]

"Richie" Pryor at that time was still starting out in the business while Jerry Lewis had hit the absolute heights of popularity more than a decade before. This is like Kobe's rookie year meeting Michael Jordan on the court. Great clip.

[@kaptainkanada4363]

He started out as a stand-up comedian; so did Lewis.

[@gerrynightingale9045]

@Kaptain Kanada *Lewis never did 'stand-up' as a monologist early in his career* *He performed as a 'Pantomime' routine that was carefully constructed and 'timed' so-as to give an audience time to laugh at certain intervals and 'observe & listen' at other intervals* *Lewis was never a 'joke-teller' on-stage, rather his 'act' itself was the 'joke* ( *'The Typist' was his best-known act, with pre-recorded music to accompany his routine* )

[@jeffreydavis5506]

Showed my 13 year old this and he now is a fan. I think parents these years need to show they're kids this.

[@gutz1981]

Everything just seems to be flying over Merv's head. "Am I Jewish now?" "One more little job and you will be."

[@paulbacchus1015]

These show's are gold dust, keep them coming.

[@slida65]

Jerry and Rich are icons that today will never see.

[@dadduorp]

Pryor: “I imitate him [Lewis] a lot” Lewis; “I'm having enough problems being Jewish.” 🤣🤣 Jerry on top of his game.

[@markvinci8116]

L.o.l.

[@Cherlynvalgift]

This is a great video. One of the Kings of Comedy meeting one of the comedians that influenced him.

[@LGKids]

Two of my favorite comics together in one place! And they are both giving each other their flowers very early in the game! Sweet! Peace!

[@JohnnyZito1]

This is so cool! Read and heard a lot about this but never saw it. Thank you!!!

[@Earthtime3978]

As close as we ever got to seeing them perform together I suppose. Good stuff even with this small amount of banter.

[@michellerosemarieflynn8897]

thank you for sharing this with us.

[@user-fn2pe5ym9x]

3 ICONS . The Greatest Richard know one can take his place Beautiful

[@PhatGirlLuvr68Comix]

A legend giving respect to another legend.

[@marym5037]

Absolutely! Very well said PhatGirlLuva68-TheastOG!!

[@pauli.vanili]

Pity it wasn’t returned.

[@puppydog12000]

was going to marry both of them when I grew up. Thats what I said 30 so years ago

[@Irish-Rose]

Pauli Vanili What? Jerry Lewis was giving Pryor a lot of compliments by laughing at his jokes, & telling him how talented he was.

[@evanwolf6618]

@@pauli.vanili Maybe you should watch the clip again . 🤓🥸🧐🤔

[@Kyle-gb9dq]

Priceless. Two years before i was born. But i remember the show during childhood years

[@DouglasLeroyBowenJr]

Both Jerry Lewis and Richard Pryor are amazingly gifted comedians. One thing that they have in common is their "lightening speed" quick wit.

[@alexdelrio45]

This was AWESOME!!

[@NycBeauty]

I heart both comedians💙

[@georgeisaak5321]

Both the great Jerry Lewis and Richard Prior were fantastic in their own unique way ! I personally have huge respect for both comedians ! people like those two , like Jack Nicholson , like Robin Williams , like Danny Devito ,Pacino ,De Niro ,made history !

[@excelerater]

Jerry and Richard my favs of all time

[@kaptainkanada4363]

Well said and absolutely right!

[@vinylman6580]

The THREE STOOGES will always be the Gods of comedy period! They were so far ahead of their time. Nobody presented the kind of slapstick comedy they did. They raised the bar, set the standard and did things no one was prepared for at the time they arrived on the scene in the early 1930's. You can clearly see their influence on so many big name comedians that followed them. All of those slaps they did were real. Thats the extreme they would go through to make people laugh! Just look up an interview of Larry Fine talking about it!

[@bluesborn]

As someone who was a kid in the 60s(maybe you were as well?) I can tell you that Jerry was HUGE in the 1960s.I absolutely loved the guy back then and I'm sure Richard was being sincere.Of course times change and perceptions do as well.

[@marym5037]

JL is a classic! That never changes! He is a legend!

[@squarenupe1753]

Smoking on live TV, my how times have changed.

[@victorbonilla4634]

"One more little job"...hilarious..Jerry could throw in a subtle dirty comment..Pryor got the joke!

[@nealmike5490]

I think I know..could you explain???

[@victorbonilla4634]

@@nealmike5490 A sexual favor..😲😂

[@fatalconceit3362]

@@victorbonilla4634 Not a sexual favor, but circumcision.

[@CorrectiveVision3]

It is obvious in Richard Pryor's concert films he patterned himself alot after Jerry.Lewis.and his story telling was like Bill cosby's. Pryor could create a scene on stage and most of it was with few words, and with his description, body language and voice, transport you almost anywhere. His best movies were of just him, a mike and an audience.

[@jaredpeters9205]

amazing my favorite actors of all time

[@massapower]

WOW !!! 😲 What a gem of a find 😎👍🏻

[@sandyhatfield7406]

Jerry is so beautiful here.

[@marym5037]

I wholeheartedly agree!

[@lilybond6485]

He was so handsome.

[@massapower]

Total Legend Classics!😎👍

[@scoobydooo5364]

These men respected one another and that's how life should be and for Richard Pryor to say that Jerry Lewis is the one funniest man in comedy tells it all. And entertainment bring us closer together

[@vinceedwards3978]

One little job......I fell out of my chair watching this!!! I have love for both men, and I am straighter than any arrow!!

[@JayYarbroughMusic]

Just incredible. Wow 😀

[@jv-ep2tc]

although we can't see them, I suspect Phil and Don were holding their breath during this.

[@megpruden20]

Richard was a good looking young man.

[@lelandlee5008]

AND YOUR A DAMN GREAT LOOKING YOUNG WOMEN MISSHEARTENTERTAINMENT

[@marym5037]

Yes he was cute, but Jerry was super sexy!

[@andrewmaina8422]

To each their own 😎

[@rickrick5041]

@@marym5037 Racist

[@barbarahourigan8462]

I loved it!❤️❤️❤️

[@sweetiepie1862]

I wouldn't say he got his START on Merv Griffin, because he was on The Ed Sullivan Show too, but I think (generally speaking) television and his appearances on Ed Sullivan and Merv Griffin, helped make him a household name.

[@nickpaine]

A comedian says funny things. A comic says things funny. Lewis was the latter. Pryor was on the way to becoming the top comedian of his era. I had never seen him so young as here.

[@michaelhall6340]

geniuses at play in their prime

[@smokiebird06]

The greatest stand up comedian of all time.

[@bikersoncall]

Sam Kinison ?

[@rickrick5041]

@@bikersoncall Racist

[@finddeniro]

Carlin George. Mark Twain..Milton Berle...many..Richard Pryor.... Really would bring in and Spring the Punch line...

[@truthsword8562]

My childhood show host's i watched David frost,merv griffin,mike Douglas,Dinah Shore.

[@tomocallaghan1809]

Awesome! Two greats...

[@bigtexas7580]

*Not many people know Richard used to sing before he started comedy. If there was no youtube you'd have to be a friend of the family to find this out.*

[@terrilew5350]

That was the Everly Brother's

[@jv-ep2tc]

Brothers

[@pauldavies5611]

Thanks! For a while I thought it was Lennon and McCartney.

[@otrdriverchris]

This could be titled, "comedy genius meets comedy genius".

[@marym5037]

@Yip yap or comedy genius meets the genius KING of comedy

[@marym5037]

@Yip yap I don't agree! I believe that Jerry was a genius performer and innovator, but I respect your opinion! :)

[@marym5037]

@Yip yap Opinions are opinions :) :) I think Jerry is a classic that's why is an icon for many, many people . I loved the Nutty Professor and pretty much almost all of his movies. He was a wonderful clown! As a kid I used to find him mesmerizing and still love him as an adult. And by the way, I love Pryor as well. Art has the power to move you and everyone perceives it differently! And that's okay :)

[@rickrick5041]

@@marym5037 Racist

[@marym5037]

Who is racist????@@rickrick5041

[@jsfbr]

Sensational!

[@tuxguys]

This is neat... this is like watching Connors and McEnroe setting each other up (which they never would have done with this kind of mutual generosity)... Addendum: The business in the beginning is improvised, on the spot, by Pryor and the drummer of the Mort Lindsey band, Jake Hanna.

[@filmmekker]

Richard didn't think it was punishment. he was a genius and he recognized a great comic.

[@DavidCastro-pu6jx]

I appreciate so much how Richard permitted himself to be straight up honest. He didn't act like the great icon he was, but gave Jerry all the kudos he deserved, in a childlike way that I think is pure and beautiful. And yes, Jerry deserved it, truly the god of comedy; all the greats admit it, and he was always my favorite comedic actor since I was 5. Here, he tells quite a few clever quips including the last one at 4:02, and Richard instantly got it.

[@roymerritt6992]

+David Castro I have to tell you David I don't understand how you would be so enthused by someone whose only act was juvenile and lacked any real comedic talent unless making silly noises and doing pratfalls constitutes talent. The only time he was ever the king of comedy as far as I'm concerned was in the movie in which Robert De Niro kidnaped him. And his affinity for being an ogre toward others doesn't bode well for him either. I'm assuming the joke you are referencing was where he was treating Merv in the manner of a Deity after Richard's compliment about him being a god of comedy and Merv asks does that make me Jewish now and Jerry says "after one more job". If I'm to understand it correctly it was some subtle reference to gangsters understanding that not only were a lot of Italian Americans were gangsters, but also a great many Jewish guys were also such a Bugsy Siegel, Louis Lepke Burchalter, and Meyer Lanksy as a for instance. But then again I may be totally misreading it. I must concede however he was good in the movie with De Niro, but suspect anyone in a movie realizes they must be good to equal De Niro's talent.

[@peepeeray9043]

+Roy Merritt Gangsters, lol? Yeah, that joke definitely went "over your head."

[@DavidCastro-pu6jx]

+Roy Merritt More than just slapstick physicality or standup, Jerry Lewis had great range. He's made me cry as well as laugh, his acting ability has always been otherworldly. All the greats have the same opinion of Him. The King of Comedy was, I think, his least impressive performance. As for the joke at the end, he blesses Merv, then Merv asks "Am I Jewish now?" And Jerry says, "One more little job." He meant circumcision. Richard instantly got it, as I did. Brother, that's pure genius: instant, unscripted, clever! This is how Jerry rocks and rolls for decades on end, as do all the greats.

[@roymerritt6992]

Peepee Ray Well I'm a WASP who was never circumcised and knew no Jewish people when growing up in that one never met Jewish people in the rural environment I grew up in. I hardly met any Jewish people at all until I was in the army. The only Jews I saw was in movies and old films about WWII. If you are trying to insult me I'm not. My distaste for Jerry Lewis has nothing to do with his religion in that I have no religion being an atheist. My distaste for Lewis is his utter lack of talent and the reputation he has for being a misanthrope and insulting human being. Dean Martin on the other hand was a good singer and featured some really good comedians on his old variety show such as one of my all time favorites Jonathan Winters who could be funny without even telling jokes but simply by improvising. Winters was a comedic genius. The joke about circumcision was vague at best.

[@DavidCastro-pu6jx]

+Roy Merritt I respect your opinion about Lewis, although I totally disagree about his talent. I agree he's egoistic and condescending, though. I still think he eclipses all those you mentioned, even though they, too, were talented. The joke wasn't very vague, just unfamiliar because, as you said, you were unfamiliar with Jews and stuff like the circumcision. For Merv, it wasn't insulting, I'm sure. For those who understood it and appreciate the cleverness, it is pretty darn good.

[@kingsports1113]

2 years later Paul Mooney come in Richard Pryor life the rest is history

[@sh-ig9fm]

Is it original video tape or gust well restored film cos I bean seeing some of the interviews and the quality is amazing

[@danos1011]

prior was amazing

[@suzettebennett2564]

Pryor

[@stevemelnicola]

I like Richard but LOVE Jerry and he was in fine form here. At this time very quick witted. "First time I ever got top billing for that act" (It was M and L not the other way round) one more little job, I'm havin' enough trouble being jewish! Such clear footage too. My lord how nervous was Richard! Jerry is still going deep into his 80's making the classi Nutty Professor into a musical. Amazing!

[@junkie8urMonkey]

speechless. wow.

[@sooke54]

Richard, so sweet - before he found his trouble in life.

[@candicemorland2939]

Fantastic…

[@ultrakool]

Every time I see merv, I can't help but think of sctv....ooooooh..

[@donabeyta252]

And to think merv Dated the Gabor sisters , became a real estate developer. Owned the Beverly Hilton Hotel and was gay..

[@evonza4858]

I'm watching because I want to see two comedy genuises together 🥰❤️🖤💚

[@GodsSoldier2]

Why can't television be like this today? I was most certainly born at the wrong time

[@frankstecker5675]

Great Komiker all time..☺️

[@clairekeesey1285]

richard pryor and the everly brothers on the same stage.

[@regalsurvivor3418]

Jerry Lewis receiving adequate praise from a rising star for his true comedic genius 👏

[@Nummymuffincocobutter]

Pryor became more popular in the early 70's.He was basically just starting out in this clip,so to him,Lewis was the God of comedy...

[@TheLadymiss22]

Who are the 2 guys sitting next to Richard?

[@josephq2228]

💜2021✨ two cherished legendary gods of comedy! #MillenniumLanceAndTheOpenScroll 🌹 💜😎

[@miketheyunggod2534]

Richard always changed his act with the times.

[@LEIMALOCCA]

Just one word: Swagg..... Two comedic giants, just...just Swagg...

[@sdne1959]

. Jerry Lewis and Richard Pryor together on the same stage.......talk about the Yin and the Yang of comedy !!! .

[@renoraider9817]

I bet Rich loved that intro - Little Richie Pryor.

[@radix9629]

I love richard’s outrageous laugh at the end of the video. He loved the jewish joke lol

[@cryptopioneer6755]

Oh could you imagine if these two hooked up and did a Movie together back then.

[@jeahavvalentin980]

That would've been absolutely amazing

[@JulieSmith-oc3nw]

Jerry was a genius. Loved him with Dean Martin comedy back then was the best. Merv: am I jewish now? Jerry: you have to do 1 more small act. 😂😂😂

[@jv-ep2tc]

that reply is quickness personified

[@TighelanderII]

Did he sing on this show? I was surprised to learn that early in his career, Pryor sang as well.

[@EdKazO-Vision]

There just are not enough Belle Barth references anymore :)

[@moheasu]

Thanks.. I was googling BelBar and went on a completely different path

[@wamcalif5]

Oh Man, "Little Ritchie" looks like a kid. This was obviously before his Ed Sullivan Show appearance.

[@stevenmckenzie2741]

Note how Jerry says “huh?” after Merv’s Jewish remark. Jerry was such a pro, he waited for the laughs to die down that he had Merv repeat the line only to follow with one of the greatest ad-lib responses ever. Amazing speed Jerry had.

[@DigitalPittBoss]

Richard Pryor got his start doing black clubs, by the time he made it here all black people at the time new who he was.

[@stuartperry8141]

On what Black network did all the blacks watch him in the 1960s. The only way blacks got national attention was to appear on television, make records, or be in a movie.

[@DigitalPittBoss]

Stuart Perry There a club circuit for black to entertain blacks. That the reason they called him there. He did not appear from out the blue.

[@librasmith9894]

+Digital Pitt Boss You are absolutely right. It was called the Chitterling Circuit. Black entertainers played clubs in Chicago, St. Louis, and other heavily black populated cities. So yes, Richard Pryor had a following before he made appearances on lily white television!

[@geneobrien8907]

"Chitlin' Circuit"

[@lelandlee5008]

EXACTLY BECAUSE IF IT WERE THE OTHER WAY AIN'T NO WHITE MAN WOULD HAVE GIVEN ANY UNKNOWN BLACK MAN A CHANCE ESPECIALLY BACK THEN....IT'S A TRIP WHEN RICH GAVE LEWIS SUCH A COMPLIMENT HE STAND RICH LOOKS LIKE HE ASSUMED LEWIS WAS GOING TO HUG OR SHAKE HIS HAND INSTEAD HE DOES THAT SHIT OVER THE QUEER'S HEAD...WELL RICH CAN LAUGH ALL THE WAY TO THE BANK BECAUSE HE IS IN A CLASS ALL BY HIMSELF...WHEN I WAS LITTLE I LOVED LEWIS NOW THAT I'AM OLD AND UNDERSTAND MORE AND OF COURSE WITH YOU TUBE THE BEST THING SINCE THE FIRST HOME COMPUTER I CAN'T STAND THE FUCK LEWIS

[@sherricoffman]

Lol 🕊 😆 🤣 😂 😹 ❤ 🕊 MuchLove!!!

[@rodrios3080]

The Gods Of Comedy

[@mikeburkholder9153]

"Ritchie"? I mean, I know he's young here, but ... seriously. RIP Richard and Jerry

[@Lppolymath90]

Same thing I thought...might as well called him "boy"

[@Irish-Rose]

Stop being so negative. Merv was giving him a real chance to be found by Hollywood,& he was. You could see how much Merv liked him. Always trying to make anything negative 🙄

[@AmericasChoice]

@@Lppolymath90 He went by Ritchie in those days.

[@derwinlowery]

jerry lewis was a natural funny comic who paved the way for comics that used physical comedy. pryor did copy jerry in his early days

[@tonymontana4284]

Sailor Beware Is comedy gold.

[@martintanksley3561]

Good and funny THEN...but as he got older, well I hold in the HIGHEST as the BEST...Like Louis Armstrong ;)....

[@krisscanlon4051]

Richard has to play to the straight suits ...the man...the top dwellers. The torch gets passed here...then again it's all the same...the distance tween RP and JL is short. RP is in awe.

[@dr.roberts4508]

Classic

[@Imintune...]

Ooooo. Well be right back.