Richard Pryor Makes Emotional Return After Setting Himself on Fire | Carson Tonight Show

Original Airdate: 09/05/1980
#johnnycarson #richardpryor #thetonightshow

[@user-hq5ig9ir2e]

The affection Johnny has for Richard is truly touching. ❤️

[@ruiserrazina7727]

Yessss, you can easily tell it's genuine. Not like today's garbage late night hosts where it's all about them and that's it.

[@bobharris7569]

They came up together in the business. My mother knew Mr. Carson's 3rd wife very well. We would spend time at their home and our families vacationed together, often. Mr. Pryor was often at their home when we would arrive. Amazing man.

[@johnduffy6992]

Yeah.. that is real.

[@cloudlounger6903]

Carson was his CIA HANDLER

[@floridagirl8563]

And he’s respectful. Not like the late night hosts of today!

[@noahbawdy3395]

You can tell this appearance meant a lot to Richard. He was so humble while also being funny.

[@briandelmore7188]

meant a lot to Johnny as well to have him, hate sounding like the old man here, but shows were so much better back in the day

[@carper6160]

Yawn

[@effdonahue6595]

@@carper6160 good night, sleep tight 😴

[@josmotherman591]

That is true. God gave Richard a harsh wakeup call. I am glad it worked out. Back when humor was appreciated. And people could laugh at themselves. .

[@trevavaughn5]

I agree

[@BigBoost73]

there will never be another like Mr. johnny Carson

[@nxne75]

The once and FOREVER king of late night!

[@uuuultra]

you mean Richard Pryor

[@reillymoore3257]

Johnny Carson was truly one of a kind. Late night has never been the same since.

[@ruthanneluvsvacuuming6653]

That’s so True ❣️

[@hanskurtmann6781]

Yes and no. I would say late night ended with Letterman and Leno as they were a big part of Carson's career in his later years.

[@Bob-fj7lr]

I'm 29 and I want to see if I can watch every Johnny Carson episode.

[@professorvoluck9311]

This is a beautiful exchange between two legends and a throwback to when late night tv was worth watching.

[@comment5398]

there were only like 8 stations back then and only a few people got all of the press and headlines.

[@aidenfletcher6503]

Carson had class he' was quite funny also two legendary acts

[@ramonmoreno8014]

Only took the second comment to find the whining boomers

[@comment5398]

@@ramonmoreno8014 and the fourth one to find The Sassy Sally standing on their soapbox

[@guslulou8428]

@@ramonmoreno8014 whining? I don’t think that word means what you think it means you little fruitcake.

[@loristone9242]

When Richard Pryor looks up, you can see the tracks of his tears from when he was silently crying at the ovation he received when he first came out.

[@julieblanke2440]

I thought that was the glare from the lights Above against his glasses 🥸

[@venobrown1125]

@@julieblanke2440 it was

[@stephaniereynolds9289]

There were tears. Look at his expression

[@boundariessetinstone5893]

It was tears

[@loristone9242]

@@julieblanke2440 It was tears. That is why he had his head down. He was trying to maintain his composure.

[@fatimal.330]

Boy oh boy; they don't make talks shows like this anymore. Actually, you don't see anything like this anymore. It's enjoyable too watch, clean humor and actually funny. Bless them all. We will never forget these great shows. ❤️

[@jenx1433]

I was literally thinking that!!!

[@videogames9972]

not to mention earnest

[@anonymousjohnson976]

@Repent and believe in Jesus Christ : Regarding your username, we have done that and nothing happened and nothing happened with you either.

[@kilianconn5091]

@Repent and believe in Jesus Christ repent to deez nuts

[@MrStaley]

@@anonymousjohnson976 Atta Boy go get em

[@ShaunHopkinsAVFC]

Two legends having a real conversation. Nothing on tv now is better than this

[@JulieJewelzKvasnicka]

Mr Pryor & Mr Carson you two are truly missed! RIP

[@sandraandrews9907]

Don't forget Ed McMahon & David Bowie 😩💔🙏

[@akitashep5903]

Two of the best.

[@198634]

No - Johnny is missed !!! Not the crackhead

[@BrickOvenBakery]

@@198634 That’s just a nasty comment.But you probably a nasty person… Hope you eventually grow up.

[@MagnusVittalletti]

Where are they now?

[@jwollman9475]

Richard was a gift. There hasn’t been and never will be another Richard Pryor. The same can be said about Carson. RIP.

[@russellhowardjr.9894]

I couldn’t have said it any better!

[@davidwright873]

@@russellhowardjr.9894 I read that they both were hard to deal with...on and off set....But i imagine the TV persona is the one everyone wants to remember....

[@jwollman9475]

@@davidwright873 That trait is common among geniuses.

[@jimm1387]

@@davidwright873 I'm curious about who it was that thought they were hard to deal with.

[@walterwhite1]

JAY LENO IS A LEGEND AND CURRENTLY WAY BETTER!!!!!

[@paulbaxter2007]

Richard was very humbled after that incident. You could see that he fought back a sea of tears from that ovation. He will forever be one of the funniest people that ever lived. I am fortunate to have experienced his comedy when he was alive.

[@michaelklein3509]

Same here at Radio City Many moons ago

[@loriwishman1866]

So sweet how Johnny calls him Ritchie. Two greats, real friends.

[@JulieJewelzKvasnicka]

He was so humbled by the ovation

[@dentoldani3460]

I was 8 when I heard the news of his accident. Pryor was one of the BEST and so was Carson. Nobody will ever come close to doing what they did.

[@candyh9876]

I'm almost positive the ovations brought him to tears 🤗

[@WilliamTell1313]

@@candyh9876 It definitely did. You can tell towards the end and when Johnny touches his arm, it's probably because he could see that he was crying and consoled him. Two great guys.

[@candyh9876]

@WilliamTell1313 RP might have made plenty of mistakes in his life with his life and he tried so hard to treat himself better there were just to many people around him that failed to respect that and later on as he got older and then when he was sick it was heartbreaking he has peace now but he should have had it while he was still here way to much pain !!!! RIP RP🙏 and JC 🙏

[@DzHarryNuttz]

That ovation at the beginning really got to Richard's feeling. You could see the humbleness on his face as he thanked the crowd. I hope he felt every ounce of love for him in that crowd that night, he deserved it!

[@jasondunbar5369]

Richard Pryor legend Johnny Carson two of the greatest of all time 🔥🔥🔥💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💲🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💯🔥💯💯🔥🔥💯🔥💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 Rip legends

[@fang_uk]

@@jasondunbar5369 I think the emoji’s are a bit much Jason. 😬

[@NHisPraise]

😅

[@kw7807]

yes he was fighting back tears..

[@darrellgThe704]

I saw it too.

[@man-bagdammit2297]

Two legends who genuinely admired and cared for each other!

[@brianconnelly1238]

Richard Pryer didn't even have to utter a word for him to tell us how much that ovation touched him, just by his facial expression alone

[@heavydownn2962]

Robin Williams, George Carlin and Pryor. These 3 Philosopher Kings will never be forgotten.

[@mikeries6930]

Add Sam Kinison to that list.

[@horrorpowerfilms9481]

Robin Williams was very funny, but he wasn't deep like Carlin or Pryor, in fact Williams rarely tackle social issues.

[@AN-im4my]

Only a few people that you can tell Johnny was sincere about and liked and Richard Pryor was one of them, I miss them days 👍❤

[@poetcomic1]

"Sincere' about??? Carson loved Pryor.

[@AN-im4my]

@@poetcomic1 self explanatory 🤨🧐

[@benmaurer8055]

@@poetcomic1 it was incredible to see them hugging like that, Mr. Midwestern hugging pryor, beautiful not show biz schtick but real

[@AN-im4my]

@@benmaurer8055 indeed 👍

[@viking956]

So glad I grew up in an era when comedians like Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, Sam Kinison, George Karlan, etc., etc., etc., could actually be comedians. It used to be if a topic or genre was not your thing, you just don't watch and don't buy a ticket for the show. Now everybody getting all offended at the least little thing it's hard to imagine these guys being able to survive in today's woke triggered world of offended Karens.

[@roosterj2599]

I remember watching this the night it aired. I was 10 years old. I was laying on the floor falling asleep with my aunt and uncle and my grandparents. My grandparents were sitting on the couch smoking cigarettes and playing cards. Ah the good old days.

[@tiffanyingram3444]

I pictured the scene

[@Tyweezy84]

@@tiffanyingram3444 same

[@robertpresti3980]

Same same

[@alwaysrighton]

Beautifully simple scene. Back when culture was a common good shared intergenerationally and children didn't have to have their own specific entertainment crafted to cultivate their minds differently and alienate the members of a same family.

[@4KindnessGal]

The days of real family. Thank you, for painting such a nice word picture. Thank you.

[@jimlaforte1755]

When Mr. Carson hugged and shook a guest's hand, one knew that person was special. Thanks for sharing.

[@jenatsky]

I was a burn nurse in the Grossman Burn Center in Sherman Oaks Hospital when Richard came in. He’s a very lucky guy in that Dr. Richard Grossman was there when he came in.

[@Kellatrina]

I think it’s amazing that he was blessed to be taken care of that way y’all did.

[@newnotification30]

Did you ever meet his daughter the one that would go on to be on trial for the manslaughter charges.😮

[@lauraveney1412]

What are you babbling about?

[@BeckyFarkas-he1cj]

Thank you for your care!

[@originoa]

Bullshit

[@eddietat95]

If you can still be Tonight Show-level funny after THAT incident, you're unstoppable.

[@moneyguiden4232]

I llobe

[@heyrobertcarter1]

Amazing

[@ghanasoul]

You're 100% RIGHT. Great observation.

[@dominiquejones3805]

The MS was taking its toll

[@08065]

​@@dominiquejones3805That didn't come until later.

[@jessanddavidboham8014]

Richard Pryor and Johnny Carson are some of the most greatest and funniest people ever around and when we lost Richard Pryor and Johnny Carson it really put a devastation on the comedy bit and comedy business and they were always be forever remembered.

[@cathyt144]

I remember his standup about the accident and also his heart attack. To go thru that much pain and agony and still be able to make jokes about it says a lot. He made something positive from the negative . It raised a lot of awareness and touched many lives when Pryor got burned. I remember when this happened and how we were all glued to the news about his progress. Great interview with 2 awesome men.

[@melvert33]

Yes he lights a match and waves it about saying "what's this....it's Richard Pryor running down the street"

[@mariefearon627]

It was so heartbreaking god bless you Richard ❤amazing man 🎉😢miss you ....😂😂😂

[@dominiquejones3805]

​@melvert33 Paul did the match joke while Richard was n the hospital

[@anthonybrown6804]

Cathy, your post touched my heart ❤️

[@TheBandit7613]

That was no accident, he lit himself on fire to commit suicide.

[@greyjay9202]

Johnny always made it look easy. He had that gift. He is still sorely missed. Wonderful to see Mr. Pryor on that stage, with Johnny.

[@PJxBuchwild]

The magic of late night TV is truly gone. When I was a kid Leno and Letterman were both razer sharp and if you could stay awake Conan was great in his own way. Nowadays the confidence and the charisma is gone and late night tv is more about promoting ideas and politics over comedy.

[@justinhicks7073]

@@PJxBuchwild facts I miss old late night but Conan didn’t get the credit he deserved imo

[@virtualwhispers]

@@PJxBuchwild Just about all the specialties are gone in this day and time

[@93Jubilee]

@@PJxBuchwild I never thought Leno was very sharp, or witty, for that matter. Just me, I'm sure.

[@mikestevenson576]

@@93Jubilee Lots of people think that as comedy is highly subjective. But it was difficult to be a Letterman fan from '84 to '86 and not see that Jay Leno was a comedic force of nature. The lead guest that Dave booked more than anyone else during the peak creative years at NBC.

[@raybates3119]

I miss Richard Pryor. He was one of the backbones of comedy and I still listen to him often. RIP

[@Twsuf1]

Now his breast bone is meeting his backbone

[@fab5frk]

Richard & Redd Fox were the blueprint for black comedians after their inception and modern day pioneers for black comedians still to this day.

[@juliuskurtz8143]

Richard was pretty awesome

[@staziemccarthy1267]

Him and Joan Rivers are my favourite's of all time 😪

[@sheldonnash660]

I still listening in 2022

[@valarieosborne2958]

Miss the days of Johnny Carson!! When TV was entertaining.

[@user-yy5fx6qo5l]

I remember seeing this when it originally aired. I was laughing so hard I woke my wife up. she started laughing right along when she realized what she was seeing which Honestly has been a really good source of happiness for me ever since I lost my wife so many years ago i was married for 42years I was 24 and she was 20. She got cancer in 2020 I was totally lost without her. She took a major hit the treatment was horrible for her. I could do nothing to change any thing so I felt helpless I miss her everyday. Mothers are the glue that holds everyone together.. it broke me to pieces so seeing comments like this makes me smile.

[@waynescott137]

With love to all, Richard is a prime example and is a good reason to stay away Drugs. God bless him.

[@davidrice3337]

I watched this live and cried my eyes out - now all these yrs later - love both of these people- and Ed too

[@93Jubilee]

Yeah. After all, Ed was always a person, too!

[@minorsnow5306]

Johnny was being super direct with him on live tv...""Don't lose that gift!"".....Much respect to Carson for being a friend.

[@shenequakimbro5146]

That's a true friend I felt that. Some hosts these days seem like they're trying to see what to do to make their guests feel uncomfortable.

[@sliceserve234]

They didn't call Johnny the King of Late Night for nothing, such a gracious, warm and funny handling of a difficult situation.

[@williamshereef2755]

Richard Pryor was and is the absolute greatest!!

[@michaelj.r457]

Great to see this finally in high quality. Later that night, David Bowie was the musical guest, and after his first number, he said "Richard, it's great to have you back."

[@TheDizzleHawke]

Wow! RIP all around.

[@jeshkam]

Which song did he perform? "Ashes to Ashes"?

[@alzeppelin]

@@jeshkam Life On Mars abbreviated into Ashes to Ashes. Great performance.

[@jeshkam]

@@alzeppelin Thanks.

[@jeshkam]

@@alzeppelin Got it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHPThZiOq96Aaq8 😎👍

[@jasonjohnston94]

One full minute of sustained applause and very much deserved!

[@carlmanning6738]

What a touching segment between two of the greats. Both are missed and l agree Johnny was the king of Talk show and Richard the true king of comedy. RIP to both these legends

[@noahbawdy3395]

Richard was one of the funniest comedians of his generation. Miss him a lot.

[@selfproclaimednobody4614]

Of any generation

[@selfproclaimednobody4614]

@Soul ByThePound no sir....

[@Lunacyk]

@Soul ByThePound Who??

[@marcelmallory2761]

Generation hell....... of all time

[@aquaman199]

Ya im sure you just miss him alot,im sure you sit on the couch and weep over Richard,lol ,go get a job nutso

[@crispincain5373]

I was in the audience for this taping!

[@Hanover-ek4jy]

And?

[@jeshkam]

@@Hanover-ek4jy And what?

[@chrisboston]

That’s cool you saw this historic taping of the Tonight Show in person. Was it hard to get tickets?

[@crispincain5373]

@@jeshkam It was an amazing show. I was in High School. I had a friend who was a relative of Ed McMahon. We went to a number of Tonight Show tapings. The previous show we attended was also with Richard Pryor, before he set himself on fire! We had no idea he would be on again. I have been back stage with my friend and Ed. Johnny busted Ed, saying "Who are these people?" Ed said, "Family", Johnny said "All of them?" We said "YES!"

[@crispincain5373]

@@chrisboston All you had to do was write in to NBC and you could get tickets. Waiting in line was a bit more challenging. We went to see the Tonight Show a number of times, all with Johnny Carson, no guest host. There were times when Johnny wanted no audience noise or participation, and other times where we were told to act up! I got to see the Visitor from the East once, on this show with Pryor. We attended the show Pryor was on just before he set himself on fire, and we by chance landed in the audience of this show.

[@benf1111]

Man, you could really tell how much Johnny cared about him from that intro...this hits me right in the nostalgia...this show feels like home.

[@anthonybrown3481]

I hate that I was too young to appreciate this kind of TV back then. I'm glad we have KZbin.

[@markbirchette8740]

Richard was gone way to soon. Loved this man and the laughter he brought to my life and so many others! R.I.P Richard. 🙏

[@CaptainSpalding72]

We had him way longer than expected. He died at 65...

[@HankBukowski]

He'll never be gone.

[@SR-iy4gg]

Yes, but he destroyed his life with drugs.

[@austinevplab7167]

Two legends! I loved George Carlin’s skit about this. He was trying to keep up with Richard so when Rich had a heart attack, he had a heart attack. But when Rich got burned Carlin said _Screw that, I had another heart attack!_

[@sydneyevans2637]

They were "greats". Carlin made fun of cultural ideology. Showed the weaknesses of the human race. Kind of a social philosopher. Pryor made fun of individuals, including himself, but still made you feel that it was okay to be flawed. Miss em both.

[@JamesJones-mm2nm]

When did he make Jo Jo Dancer! It was based on that accident!

[@RobLives4Love]

@@JamesJones-mm2nm JoJo dancer was done a few years after the fire incident, in 1986

[@srldwg]

​@@JamesJones-mm2nmzIt I loved how that showed his life.

[@TimothyJonSarris]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@sunsungoaway]

And this is one of the reasons why, even after all these years, people still miss Johnny Carson

[@pamelahomeyer748]

He is an all-time great and very talented. I can't imagine how difficult this was for him. I really admire his courage here

[@gervais.d8399]

I spent 2 months in a Boston hospital for severe burns. I know exactly how this man felt. RIP Richard

[@dreamingoffall7694]

I can’t imagine!! So sorry

[@wendyladybug355laurie4]

Many PRAYER'SNLUV 👼👼💝💝

[@sevenmilewhite1407]

So glad your here to tell about it. Hope your life is not to complicated cuz of it. Big love.

[@Axcx24]

My mother seen her dad commit suicide by self immolation when she was 9 She was standing in the back porch and he was in the backyard and pour gasoline on himself and lit 🔥 himself on fire 🔥

[@sevenmilewhite1407]

@@Axcx24 Ohhh my. PTSD for sure. So sorry she experienced that. Bless your family.

[@michellerene951]

I went to jr high with Richard's daughter Elizabeth. We were in a school play called Disco Cinderella. We did 2 shows at our school. The night show was for the parents and family. Richard was there. We were so nervous. But he couldn't have been more kind and supportive of all of us. He's greatly missed. 🙏🕊⚘️

[@MarlonD805]

Did u get to meet him

[@michellerene951]

@@MarlonD805 Yes very briefly.

[@Brody-cx5vl]

Carson had the greatest comedians on his show. Pryor , Eddie Murphy, George Carlin, Rodney Dangerfield. That level of talent along with Carson will probably never be duplicated.

[@dantegood2195]

Ever hear of Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Jamie Foxx, etc?

[@Brody-cx5vl]

Jamie Foxx sucks. The rest are average except Chappelle.

[@vernonsmith6176]

Tell me...did he and Carol Bennett ever get together ??

[@carolynlee2512]

George Carlin!!! Can you imagine if he was still with us. OMG.

[@arthuridis]

Don Rickles

[@randomperson2107]

This made me smile watching the love and respect these two Men have are just amazing. Richard went through hell and still made us laugh and smile. ❤

[@hestergreen2031]

God bless both Richard Pryor & Johnny Carson they were both a class performer’s. They made us laugh even when things were rough with them.

[@KingvKing]

Fame and income and a TV show is not of God [ The Christ ] unless that fame, income and TV show came through Christ, through B E A H A V I N G Bible. Humans are so duped into thinking a ‘Blessing’ is having earthly ‘success.’ A Blessing can only come through Behaving The Word. Richard and Johnny N E V E R Honoured Christ publicly and repeatedly. Therefore, they conveyed there were unHoly. Read The Word. When a man walks by a woman and he thinks she is beautiful - that woman doesn’t become pregnant. Naive people think ‘saying’ God and or being remorseful to carnal behaviors is Godly. There would be a lot of pregnancies, by passerby’s if that were true.

[@billholt7860]

That makes absolutely no sense to me . Not that you were talking to me ,but ,,, huh?

[@tammydouglaslafreda9992]

Richard Pryor had been to hell and back with laughter still in his heart. He makes fun of tragedy as we all should. There something funny in everything. Keep smiling heaven has a comedy show going on thats unbelieveable! Love this man

[@dodieodie498]

Many comedians are actually prone to deep depressions and anxieties, which is why they become comedians. It can be a way to cope with life and with other people. You never know about that one guy who is constantly cracking jokes or who is always cynical and sarcastic or who feels the need to clown.

[@antoineemory6772]

i remember having tickets to see pryor in cleveland june 15 1979 an that evening my girlfriend was in labor wit my daughter. i ended up missing tha concert. caus i had to be at tha hospital when my daughter was born. never got to see him live. luckily tha concert i missed turned out to be tha film richard pryor live in concert that i saww later that yr.

[@Hairless-Joe]

Richard Pryor is easily top 3 favorite comedians for me. I think he is the king of comedy.

[@chuckford5927]

Two greats that are missed dearly. Thank God for blessing us with their presence. RIP Richard Pryor and Johnny Carson. Thanks for the memories.

[@chrissullivan40]

Johnny had a lot of class.

[@joetriolo9161]

The GOAT

[@christineleblond7777]

Johnny really really admired Richard. He truly appreciated the genius of Richard. I loved to watch Johnny when Rich would come on. Then Richard acquired MS. He sure went through a lot in his life time.

[@jazzmanchgo]

In his autobiography, Pryor said that when he acquired the MS, he asked God why this had to happen to him, after all he'd been through. He said God told him, "You've heard of delayed gratification? You've had the gratification -- now this is the delay."

[@93Jubilee]

I still miss this comic genius so much! What a wonderful man he was.

[@bsquarebware]

1:17-1:21 Richard was in tears...Omg...I have watched this video dozens of times and just noticed rest in peace Richard, Johnny and Ed. I remember as a 5 yr old having to be in bed, I can still here the intro music in my head.

[@leilanirocks]

This is two of the funniest men that ever lived just enjoying one another. It’s great fun to witness.

[@mrjessemagana]

Two legends. Two masters of their crafts.

[@rochellejohnson3909]

Mr. Pryor was a very kind and humble man 🙏🏾👵🏽I miss you 💜

[@dippa1965]

Damn....Thank you to the audience for the standing ovation. Man this was an amazing moment.

[@397coney7]

When Johnny retired, late night talk shows started a landslide into the toilet. Now it’s a complete cesspool. The ONLY late night talk show I still watch is Johnny Carson.

[@eharper7]

I usually watch Johnny Carson and Graham Norton. They aren't fake.

[@397coney7]

@@eharper7 ; Graham Norton? I’ll have to check him out. Thanks!

[@eharper7]

@@397coney7 Greg Davies is the funniest guest on the show, in my opinion.

[@search4truth104]

Yup, thats when the world seemed to change when Johny retired also Mr Rodgers.

[@4ak458]

I am the same way. Find Johnny and enjoy. Espicially moments like this one.

[@HoosierRooster]

I remember watching this the Ovation they gave him brought tears to my eyes

[@johnsjohnson448]

When Mr. Carson gave a guest a handshake, hug, and applauded, you knew he had great respect and admiration for the person.

[@robertyoung3664]

I sure miss Richard, my friends and I would sit around and listen to his live comedy and laugh our butts off!

[@MrTangent]

I miss these guys. Growing up in the 70’s/80’s, I would always try to stay up late so I could watch the Carson Show with my parents. And Richard Pryor is a genius.

[@marvellhudson3792]

I can relate. I was severly burned by a car radiator. It felt like a blanket of wasp stinging me at the same time. I literally had an out of body experience. I ran almost 50 yards before I realized I was burned. I start talking to myself, "We been burned." Re: Pray for all burn victims. 🙏🏾

[@justice-jb5ld]

I hope you are doing great now!!!

[@charlesrobinson7469]

I agree with 1justice. Glad you're alive & hope you're okay.👍

[@knelson3484]

Blessings to you sir.💕 You're more aware than people who have not had the out of body experience.

[@Judyp77]

@@justice-jb5ld .Richard died unfortunately...

[@Judyp77]

@@charlesrobinson7469 no, Richard and Johnny have both passed away....

[@johnsjohnson448]

This Era of Broadcast Late Night Television was both singular and intimate. True pros with a connection sitting down for a real, spontaneous conversation. Thanks for sharing.

[@jimw.4161]

Two of the greatest American entertainers. RIP Johnny & Richard I'm sure you're keeping the people up in heaven in stitches. Richard was a comic genius and Johnny Carson is without peer. He has proven to be irreplaceable. No politics, no propaganda, just pure entertainment.

[@wiredwebmaster]

These two gentlemen really respected, and loved each other. Great footage!

[@aprylb.3718]

That was a great interview, just like old friends just catching up.. RIP all 3 of them..

[@cdrom887]

I didn’t realize he was burnt that badly…wow. Glad he made it through such a dark time.

[@rucianapollard7098]

He damn near killed himself!!

[@Soluchi-InfiniteCoCreatorGod]

Great comedy. What a Great Comedian, Richard Pryor was. 💯

[@Chicago48]

He needed that applause.

[@tommohun24]

Richard Pryor was my favorite comedian and he still is I miss him

[@BravoJr1987]

Best interview ever. Johnny was so respectful and sincere, first of many Carson interviews I’ll be watching 👏🏾👏🏾🐐🐐

[@jazzmanchgo]

Johnny actually got emotional introducing Pryor, even before Richard came onstage. That was from the heart.

[@michaellitster564]

When he jumps when his arm gets touched!! WOW. There are very few who have ever exemplified the incredible comedic timing this man had. Pure Magic!!

[@reddawn3345]

Think about how we have changed from this beautiful interaction of 2 solid individuals compared to talk shows now. I feel very grateful that this was part of my life. Better times definitely.

[@patwats8860]

Richard Pryor was one of the funniest men ever! Saw him as often as I could. He and Johnny Carson are great together.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Merci for this. Johnny was so respectful of Richard, and the applause for Richard was inspiring.

[@shenequakimbro5146]

Richard is really missed. He seems to be a good person in spite of the things that he had been through. I see why Eddie Murphy looked up to him and many other comedians.

[@marlabrown8022]

That’s why it’s important to remember that it’s not what we “go through” that determines whether or not we’re good people or not.

[@jamesandrews8698]

@@marlabrown8022 that's some true shite right there, no one is defined by their lowest moment

[@hakimrouachi5940]

Richard à brûler là Vie par les deux Bouts c'était une bonne personne 🙏🙏🙏🕯️🕯️🕯️🇨🇵🇨🇵🇨🇵👍

[@TheAlcoholic27]

That's love, when you've got Johnny and Marlon checking up on you and sending you entertainment during recovery, you know you're a beloved icon.

[@ateam404]

My parents let us stay up to watch this interview. The cover of the gossip rags at the grocery store had my sister and I in tears.

[@kimberlytotty3394]

There will never be another Richard Pryor-the G.O.A.T. but his influence and legacy lives on in other comedians and those of us who adored him.

[@blakehammerpack4710]

🏆

[@lawofaverages5373]

Wow this aired the same year as Stir Crazy. One of the best comedies ever. Chemistry between Pryor and Wilder was phenomenal.

[@markgaston4416]

They modeled their partnership after Richard’s favorite tv series, I Spy. Great chemistry on both counts indeed.

[@BianicEpicVideos]

This was really beautiful to watch these two, during that time have such a heart felt conversation.

[@benmaurer8055]

Yes like they were having a cocktail and really having a conversation

[@thebonerfromhell]

What a legend Richard Pryor was. I grew up watching his movies and shows. He was a great man.

[@TT-hi1qv]

I fell off my chair when Jonny touched his arm and Richard went ahhhhhh to funny ! Miss them both!

[@richhannan4523]

The mutual respect they shared was extremely palatable. A nice easy going interview where you could see Richard Pryor was feeling more comfortable as it progressed. So glad I was able to see this again.

[@pamelavarilone2614]

Love this beautiful man. He gave us his everything, each time he walked on stage. Filled our hearts with love, reality, and magic.

[@user-yy5fx6qo5l]

I remember seeing this when it originally aired. I was laughing so hard I woke my wife up. she started laughing right along when she realized what she was seeing which Honestly has been a really good source of happiness for me ever since I lost my wife so many years ago i was married for 42years I was 24 and she was 20. She got cancer in 2020 I was totally lost without her. She took a major hit the treatment was horrible for her. I could do nothing to change any thing so I felt helpless I miss her everyday. Mothers are the glue that holds everyone together.. it broke me to pieces so seeing comments like this makes me smile.

[@NinjaDildoShow]

*Some of my earliest memories are of watching Johnny Carson with my dad, and Richard Pryor is one of his favorite comedians. I was 3 months in the womb when this aired, so I never got to see this until now. Thank you for uploading this. Both of these men were the GOAT.*

[@scottcassulis6062]

God Bless all three of them and oh wow 😞😞😞

[@michaelnavarette7200]

I’m so lucky that I got to experience Richard Pryor. His stand up, Harlem Knights. I was young. He made me fall in love with comedy. RIP RICHARD PRYOR!!!

[@eugenelee3553]

The genuine concern and respect for Richard Pryor that Mr. Carson conveys is just top class. May them rest in peace. In great appreciation from Seoul, Korea.

[@WilliamTell1313]

You can tell how embarrassed and anxious he is at the beginning. Sad what happened to him. Amazing comedian, one of the best. Still managed to be funny af even in his moment of despair.

[@SuperJoshuaWorld64]

He was always extremely nervous in interviews

[@jamicl2580]

He shows what a Pure Comedic Talent he truly was/is. Using his story to make everyone feel at ease and laugh. Great spirit that will live forever. 😎🙏

[@treybikes]

Why did I cry and laugh during this entire interview? Rip to one of the best to ever do it 🔥🔥

[@snobunni4808]

rough choice of emojis there 😂

[@avertadams8452]

RESPECT

[@michaelgibsontv]

Everyone misses Richard, Johnny and Ed. Who knew that no one could truly replace them? There were just so many truly talented people back then and it’s great to be able to watch clips like these.

[@bigdawg7703]

I remember watching this that night. It brought a tear to my eye. He was loved by many and is still to this day one of the greatest American comics ever to grace the stage. He battled his demons and eventually overcame its grasp for a short period before death and I hope he had a opportunity to enjoy some freedom from the life of hardships he encountered. RIP Richard.

[@billysikes1374]

You can tell Johnny really loved Richard, we all do, I miss him every day, Greatest comic EVER

[@Glostahdude]

Thanks for sharing this! Miss his comedy. Miss Johnny too. Nobody did it like Johnny!

[@ron.v]

Hard to believe both these guys died the same year. They brought so many smiles it's good to read the comment from Richard Prior's wife that he died with a smile on his face.

[@carolmirelez170]

Richard Pryor was an amazing talent! I truly miss him. ❤

[@robcreel4257]

This was a nice blast from the passed. Miss 'em both. Johnny is right we need a good laugh right now.