Stir Crazy Say Hello to Grossberger

Classic Scene from the classic comedy Stir Crazy. The amazing Gene Wilder & Richard Pryor get to meet the formidable Grossberger played by the equally amazing Erland van Lidth.

[@waltersargent6951]

This brings back a lot of memories. I went to college with Erland van Lidth de Jeude (Grossberger) when we were undergraduates at M.I.T. in the mid-'70s. (If you look closely at this scene from "Stir Crazy," you can see his M.I.T. class ring on his right ring finger.) We both hung out a lot at the athletic center; he was an international-caliber super-heavyweight wrestler and I was a scrawny distance runner. He was, obviously, a huge guy; his weight sometimes got up to around 400 pounds. (He was only about five or six inches taller than I was, but he weighted about three times as much.) He also had a terrific operatic voice; I remember in particular his singing an M.I.T. fight song that ended with the refrain "And we'll yell 'To Hell with Harvard,' and we'll yell 'To Hell with Yale," and he just boomed out the final, extended "Hell." (He said that he had rejected Harvard for M.I.T. because Harvard was for wimps.) I also remember him in a school performance of the musical "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," in which he was the perfect fit for the character of "Miles Gloriosus," for which he had both the voice and the ego to match. I've forgotten what he said his I.Q., was (most really smart people I know don't even talk about that stuff), but he said that people with higher I.Q.s than his tended to be mentally unstable. One thing I really respected about him was that when he received a letter rejecting his application for admission to M.I.T.'s Ph.D. program in computer science and engineering (not uncommon for an M.I.T. undergrad seeking to stay on for a Ph.D.), he posted the letter on the front of his dorm room. He really was one of a kind, and it was neat to see him exposed to a much wider audience later in his much too short life.

[@pikawetere4277]

Did you blink while writing?

[@robertsopinski7971]

Thanks Walter, Movies and movie stars have always fascinated me. Always nice to hear how they are away from the camera.

[@myaphextwin807]

I thought he was great in the Wanderers

[@cvn6555]

I saw this movie as a kid when it came out and I always remembered the part where he broke out into song. It was incredible to see a man of his size with such an amazing voice. Did not know he was a genius to boot. Sorry to hear that he died young.

[@MrSteve-hy9yo]

Thanks for the background. Never knew his background other than he was dynamo in running man.

[@AdhamOhm]

"I wouldn't sit with him and I killed my stepdaddy." The look on Richard Pryor's face after he says that. lol

[@cl759]

@@rao3704 ROFL

[@cessaly100]

I have conniptions EVERY time I look at Pryor’s face! Oh Help me Jesus!

[@Angry.General1461]

@@cessaly100 If Grossberger did that in real life he wouldn't be in the cafeteria with other inmates! He would be chained in his own cell with his food being served through a slit in the door!

[@jamesha175]

@@Angry.General1461 but that wouldn't be comedy

[@Rockhound6165]

"Why did you kill your step daddy anyway?" "For laughing at my new fur coat. And slapping my hand." George Stanford Brown was gold in this movie. Hard to believe he was the same guy who played Terry on The Rookies.

[@silversnail1413]

Wilder and Pryor were such an unlikely but brilliant comedic duo. Thank the Comedy Gods that these two ended up working together and gave us so much gold.

[@GlorifiedTruth]

Agreed. Credit to whoever thought of putting this odd couple together. These movies came out when I was a kid, and I loved each one of them.

[@luckyweekers2990]

Amen🙏🏾💯💯🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Growing up,with their movies gave Live another meaning 4 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Grateful1967🍀🙏🏾

[@jaycompany4886]

They were perfect together.

[@jeffghant4760]

Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan were perfect as well.

[@pattyoneill6724]

Funny scene and love the faces on Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor.

[@elvis9195]

Gene Wilder's facial expressions are genius! Him and Pryor together are genius and are loved in the UK!

[@markscouler2534]

See no evil hear no evil is the best with these two in

[@kurtlikesoldmilwaukee9087]

@Mark Scouler, especially with that brunette gal in there.

[@markfox1545]

Not entirely sure why you're claiming to speak for all of the UK.

[@lukesargent7551]

U one o them boys what like other boys huh

[@morethanjustforkicks]

Would have liked to have seen both in Blazing Saddles

[@JayDogTitan]

Stir Crazy is a true comedy masterpiece, The look on Richard Pryors face when he first sees Grossberger is priceless!!

[@michaelhale211]

And the look on Pryor's face when man tells him that he killed his own step dad

[@lardy70s]

@@michaelhale211 ha ha lol. I love it when Pryor grabs his hand and puts it back on his own after slapping it lol. Brilliant

[@SuperChuckRaney]

Richard was probably thinking, "this guy is gonna bogart ALL the cocaine"

[@thinkaboutit6832]

One of my all-time favourites

[@Praise___YaH]

Guys, Here is our Savior YaH The Heavenly FATHER HIMSELF was Who they Crucified/Pierced for our sins and “HERE IS THE PROOF” From the Ancient Egyptian Semitic: "Yad He Vav He" is what Moshe (Moses) wrote, when Moses asked YaH His Name (Exodus 3) Ancient Egyptian Semitic Direct Translation Yad - "Behold The Hand" He - "Behold the Breath" Vav - "Behold The NAIL"

[@mletalien]

Still laughing when I see this scene 30 years later. Awesome stuff!

[@marysutton434]

Me too.

[@Angry.General1461]

@@marysutton434 If a person did that in real life he wouldn't be in the cafeteria with other inmates! He would be chained in his own cell with his food being served through a slit in the door!

[@tonytiger8248]

Are u the fact police now. If he was chained in his cell than you couldn’t make this funny scene

[@bloke_19xx33]

Still funny after all this time...Gene's humor (and Richard's) were timeless. RIP, gentlemen. Thank you for making us laugh and sharing your great talents with us.

[@nateh6325]

R.I.P.

[@itsallovernow2929]

Grossberger also passed away, in 1987, 1 day after his 1 year wedding anniversary to his wife.

[@bloke_19xx33]

@@itsallovernow2929 Thx for the info...If i remember correctly, I think he played one of the villains in the 'Running Man' (released in 1987), and he was an MIT (?) graduate. Such a talented dude.

[@shaggynwhitt6672]

@@bloke_19xx33 yeah he was the opera singer hunter in Running man.

[@Praise___YaH]

Guys, Here is our Savior YaH The Heavenly FATHER HIMSELF was Who they Crucified/Pierced for our sins and “HERE IS THE PROOF” From the Ancient Egyptian Semitic: "Yad He Vav He" is what Moshe (Moses) wrote, when Moses asked YaH His Name (Exodus 3) Ancient Egyptian Semitic Direct Translation Yad - "Behold The Hand" He - "Behold the Breath" Vav - "Behold The NAIL"

[@21magic23]

"Skip, the man is not ready for an interview" LOL

[@icarus8471]

The guy makes an impression. I was watching the Wanderers and I looked up who played Terror. Haven't seen this film in a long time, but Grossberger was a very memorable character played by the same guy. And of course Dynamo. Thing is the guy went to MIT, was an Olympic caliber amateur wrestler, was a trained opera singer and had his own computer business. Lived a lot of life in 34 years.

[@mizofan]

He played Dynamo the Magician, or vice-versa?

[@atrain132]

Dynamo! Lol! From The Running Man. " Hey light head, hey Christmas tree!" His name is Erland Van Lidth.

[@chrisrorer9012]

He died of a heart attack in 87 his last movie was the running man

[@unapprovedtruth7116]

He also played Gordo in "Moving".

[@gregthebaritone]

I love how he is even wearing his Brass Rat during the scene. I guess that means that the character, Grossberger, also graduated from MIT?

[@Femsa2012]

Erland van Lidth played the hulking monster Grossberger but he was a fascinating guy in real-life. Graduated from M.I.T., was an alternate on the 1976 US Olympic wrestling team. He had his own computer company and studied and worked as an opera singer. He died in 1987, only 34 years old. 

[@stevem2323]

Great life nonetheless.

[@fretboardmaster70]

He was Dynamo in The Running Man.

[@Rockhound6165]

And it's said he was an incredibly gentle man and very, very nice to his fans. Sad he passed so early.

[@Femsa2012]

@@Rockhound6165 I knew someone who was a stunt man and extra in the movie "Stir Crazy." He said that the scene where the bull gets loose and starts charging around only to stop when Grossberger jumped in front of it and snarled at it, that really happened. A bull did get loose and was threatening people and Van Lidth did stop it just as was shown in the movie.

[@rcnelson]

His death really is a crying shame. His size helped make him famous but might have also been a factor in his passing.

[@johnnyfavorite1194]

Love how Pryor freezes mid-bite at the horror of Grossburger. This movie was a Monster Hit earning over $100,000,000 in 1980 dollars. Only "9-5" (by just several million with the advantage of a PG rating) and of course "The Empire Strikes Back" earned more. Years before Spike Lee convinced the world he was the only Black Director on earth, Sidney Poitier directed this R-rated, mega-hit masterpiece of comedy, paving the way for the black filmmakers who would follow.

[@Kedbuka]

Nice comment. Pryor's hilarious here.

[@bronxstar183r4]

Damn..thanks 4 the info..I didn't know all that. did not no it made so much money

[@kristendithomas3522]

Johnny Favorite I wonder how many months this was at the theatre making that kind of money.

[@pittsburghpirate58]

Spike Lee is a genius

[@kieranb7747]

spike lee is a dumb fucking idiot who cant stand the fact hes black

[@patc6286]

Richard Pryor, his expression on seeing grossberger is just immense. RIP Richard Gene And Grossberger. Brilliant movie.

[@electrolytics]

I love the way he shields his food.

[@ksavage681]

That's how I do. My food. Mine.

[@juandiegofm]

Yep...and the growling adds a LOT to explain his mood. XD

[@peterdavis8471]

That background music was perfect 😊

[@SynthJohn]

They don't make comedies like this no more. RIP Gene Wilder. I should have Gene Wilder's Hello as a ringtone just to annoy everyone.

[@dm8867]

They will never make a movie like blazing sadlles again

[@jimbike8064]

"Hello handsome!" Monster looks around like, "who me?". 😆

[@robgiavanno6200]

When the guy said “He threw the chaplain through the wall…” the look on Pryor’s face afterwards was hilarious 😂

[@satjinder]

When these 2 got together it was comedy gold

[@babyfacedstar]

"He seems so gentle" Oh man, I lost it at that part xD

[@joel8583]

Skip is such a naïve idiot!

[@tenhirankei]

Anybody reminded of the scene in Young Frankenstein where Dr. Frankenstein (or was it Frankenstien) confronts his creation?

[@lonewave1]

Wilder with this "loving understanding" approach reminds me of the same thing in Young Frankenstein when he locks himself in the room and doesn't want to be let out no matter what. Man's got to know his limitations!

[@thewomble1509]

"Who's a mothers Angel? And shall we talk about sheer strength, the Olympic ideal?"

[@Chipchase780]

“ I see what it is. Nobody has sat down and honestly talked to that man. Poor kid” “ I’ll wait till after he’s had a little nap”.

[@MAel-qh3sn]

Pryor can say more with his face then most actors do speaking. What a genius!

[@MrDaddynomates]

Gene Wilder was funny as hell. Just his smile cracks me up. 😂

[@joel8583]

LOL!!

[@lisadavie5819]

Definitely Wilder is a LEGEND. x

[@Pardus_1970]

RIP Gene Wilder :(

[@mannyreyezz9612]

Gavin Burree had a ba|d white nigga amigo z. z. z nigga ch¡ r. a☆ q. z

[@TravelHall74]

Amen he will be missed

[@Ub3rSk1llz]

everyone in this scene is dead. richard, gene, erland, and miguel.

[@tonytiger8248]

How did Miguel die

[@KingToby37]

LOL!!! look carefully @richard pryors face when he says skip the man is not ready for an interview his facial expression right there has got me in tears rollin. R.I.P. The great Richard Pryor.

[@cvn6555]

I would have never thought Pryor would make a good actor. He was funny but his routine was so dirty and outlandish I would have bet thehouse on him overacting and going for cheap laughs. 100% wrong. He does go over the top quite a bit but does so while somehow being understated if that's possible. He was a fine comedic actor.

[@MaxJustice100]

Richard Pryor had the best facial expressions ever, so funny.

[@richarddalejohnsonjr1018]

The man ,6 foot 8 400 lbs,had a stunning operatic voice,and was a professional wrestler

[@jasperswarp]

I just realised he was in The Running Man.

[@anic510]

King Kong Bundy

[@alwayslookingatself]

He also had a Computer Science & Electrical Engineering degree from MIT. He was an alternate on the 1976 US Olympic wrestling team.

[@jaycompany4886]

@@anic510 that's not king kong bundy

[@jaycompany4886]

That's not king kong bundy

[@HushtheMag]

Erland van Lidth, Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor. 3 greats. R.I.P xxx

[@sykojay]

Pryor and Wilder were one of the greatest comedy duos. Absolutely hilarious.

[@Praise___YaH]

Here is our Savior YaH The Heavenly FATHER HIMSELF was Who they Crucified/Pierced for our sins and “HERE IS THE PROOF” From the Ancient Egyptian Semitic: "Yad He Vav He" is what Moshe (Moses) wrote, when Moses asked YaH His Name (Exodus 3) Ancient Egyptian Semitic Direct Translation Yad - "Behold The Hand" He - "Behold the Breath" Vav - "Behold The NAIL"

[@34blackula]

I love how Gene looks like a casual diner while in prison, and then have the audacity to go up to a mass murderer thinking all he needs is a hug LMAO.

[@Matthew-go6fd]

Gene Wilder is truly one of a kind! Of course, so is the great Richard Pryor. Loved this classic movie since I was a teenager.

[@krissanders987]

Fucking love gene Wilder. 34 years old, and I much rather watch a classic wilder movie than most of the Hollywood crap they do today.

[@paulbelcher7059]

If you could make an algebraic equation of comedy genius i bet most of the letters would equal pryor and wilder. Just about the most perfect comedy duo in the history of the universe. Much loved and much missed.

[@ClintScottFischer]

RIP to another genius

[@ekop1778]

RIP GROSSBERGER TOO-

[@robinaskoolum6234]

It's the riff when Gross burger comes on the scene pure heaven

[@eltonmottley9316]

No matter how many times I watched this film it is still as funny as the first time and they are not a lot of films you can say that about.

[@iluvren]

DDDAAANNNGGG! That's a BIG BOY!!!! Gene Wilder: "He seems so gentle." LOL

[@StygianNight]

Five people tried to say hello to Grossberger.

[@joel8583]

A lot of people were wisely too scared to do so.

[@texasarcane7894]

Grossberger. I will never forget this movie as long as I live. It was hilarious.

[@scottsullivan7582]

Richard and Gene facial expressions makes this scene funny. 😆

[@ralphadamo1857]

Grossberger is much more pleasant after he's had a little nap.

[@temporarymomentary]

In real life Erland van Lidth was a gentle giant. Very smart guy and real opera singer.

[@sallysmith9421]

RIP Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor comic genius' together again love this flick!

[@philmuggeson1849]

Richard Pryors face when he pauses mid bite😂😂😂

[@Rockhound6165]

The great thing about this movie and the Grossberger character was that here we see him for the first time this hulking beast of a man that EVERYONE was afraid of him. Then the next time we see him he is put in the same cell with Harry and Skip where Harry is paralyzingly afraid for his life while it looked like this was what was going to get Skip to crack then we see him playing cards and getting along with his new cellmates. Then later on when the boys are in their large cell with homestyle amenities, he opens his mouth for the first time and sings so beautifully that it takes everyone by surprise...except Skip who has a look of "I thought so" on his face. His final scene he winks at Skip then knocks out Graham who was dumb enough to get that close to him. Still doesn't make him a bad guy but maybe he had an epiphany and decided that humanity isn't all that bad and Skip was to thank for that.

[@PrAnG2000]

What people need to understand is the best talent of an actor is how they pull off expressions. Delivery of dialogue is a great skill, but to pull off a fake expression [and I say fake meaning it's not real, it's planned] takes a great actor. When ever I watch tv or movies, I always look out for the tiniest face pulls or expressions and think, I don't know if I ever could do that. lol Beverley Hills Cop is another one that comes in this category.

[@billyraybar]

I'll wait until he's had a little nap ....ROFL

[@blk88]

Bill Rabara , Lmao.😆 every time I see this scene... lol Gene has me in tears the whole time.. When he 1st walked over and placed his hands on his thighs and tried to softly step to the big guy OMG..

[@joel8583]

LOL!!

[@CTROCK]

love the 80s movies alot of funny and partying! now day movies all you see is killing!

[@AlexiaVon]

and Robots

[@johnpaulkane5977]

one of the funniest movies of all time back in the day when they actually knew how to make movies

[@williamweir1547]

R.I.P. Grossberger

[@bigyouth7871]

He was dutch never know

[@vespasianlegx11]

is he here for rehabilitation? ha ha ha ha ha . fking hilarious.

[@serendavies7375]

The look on Richard Pryor's face at 0:05 makes me copy the same reaction as him 🤣

[@jhagestad]

I love how grossberger was like a dog guarding his food and growling. Too funny

[@mindriot91_96]

Like, who the fuck is gonna try to take his food? lol

[@sallyjoan]

@@mindriot91_96 you'd be stupid enough to try it

[@Hawanlaydee]

I love Grossberger theme song when he stands up to get the salt he he he

[@tazblzr88]

R.I.P Gene loved you in this movie brother, funny as hell

[@sallysmith9421]

love groseburger - love him love him in the running man 👍

[@lisadavie5819]

Ah was that the guy covered in the lights? Arnie shouts Christmas tree? I didn't realise thanks.. Cool fun fact. I'm sure he was in moving with Richard Pryor too. x

[@susannebass1883]

One of their great performances

[@Brady2k10]

i came here for erland van lidth the one and only dynamo in running man... i never knew this guy had passed until today when i searched up the running man and clicked on his name... only 34 years old as well man... what a dam shame. RIP big guy

[@mistofoles]

"Hello!" "RAAAGHHHHHHHH!!!!!" He he he, LMAO!

[@marysutton434]

LOL

[@greedyd5524]

Then he killed some more people who reminded him of his family

[@grahamblack1961]

I still say that line to this day.

[@garyhall6294]

My favorite line in that scene!

[@EVERYDAYGames00]

🤣🤣🤣

[@DMS-pq8]

They don't make great comedies like this anymore

[@daveycairns6050]

Absolute brilliance the two of them together 👏👏👏👏

[@classicsurvivor]

This was such a funny movie.

[@oddsandwindsocks5905]

This film is just laugh out loud throughout, even the start in the bar with the cab driver.

[@Bennyboy12]

Sad grossberger died at a very young age, in 1987. He was also an opera singer. Comedy classic.

[@curbArlecchino]

Richard Pryor's face, the music, Grossburger growling- this scene is priceless.

[@scottwest1813]

I loved watching those two. Two of the greatest.

[@biroldjoshan3745]

Stir crazy ....just brilliant... remember watching this hilarious comedy in the day

[@TheLastRanger]

They don’t make comedy’s this good anymore.

[@tunsafun9345]

Loved this when I was a kid. The story of my life❤

[@Pathfinder-Doc]

He was actually a very sweet and talented man.

[@serendavies7375]

The way Grossberger scared Gene Wilder was hilarious 🤣

[@joemasters2270]

Richard Pryor & Gene Wilder - Best comedy team ever :)

[@adrianoramos4346]

Those to together had such an amazing chemistry! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@mikem9584]

One of the funniest movie scenes ever. It ranks up there with Blazing Saddles' 'the sheriff is coming' scene.

[@sandraqureshi9333]

One of my favorite scenes in the movie, the other were, the opening scene when everyone got high on Marijuana Salad. The scene when Gene and Richard became cellmates with Grossberger and when Grossberger sang "Down in the valley."

[@davepelfrey3958]

Absolutely loved this movie back in day.

[@Theaddman]

He seems so gentle that Gene Wilder was 😂😂😂 amazing

[@JohnM...]

When Pryor sais" "I love you" under his breath. Hilarious!

[@mikehansen2839]

Gene wilder was the best or one of the best actors to ever hit the big screen. I still watch willy Wonka and the chocolate factory when ever it's on right along with young Frankenstein both were fantastic movies ❤

[@0patience4flz]

At 1:50 Grossberger guards his food.

[@breaks3085]

😂😂😂 Greedy guarding his food, & the way he got up to get the salt everyone scattered 😂😂

[@StraightShooter.]

How I miss Gene Wilder & Richard Pryor!

[@davidfarmer2193]

3rd June 2023 Today would've marked Erland Van Lidth's 70th birthday (may he rest in peace).

[@sharpy5550]

This movie is my all time favourite wilder and Pryor's best movie together 👍😃

[@jamesheath7601]

RIP Gene and Richard

[@enokaka]

this must be where eddie and martin got life from

[@missayawk]

MIXTAPESHOW NYC I was thinking the same.Goldmouth and Grossberger fighting over cornbread....I would pay to see that

[@alphonzodavis6712]

When that prison guard cocked his shotgun 😳 that was hilarious 😂....he looked like he's looking for any excuse to light someone up!!!!

[@dm95422]

Grossberger looks like the twin of King Kong Bundy.

[@st0n3p0ny]

Gene running back to his seat might be the funniest thing in movie history.

[@AlexOjideagu2]

Sidney Poitier directed this, never knew

[@aldito7586]

I never knew that as well...

[@buxvan]

What a bloody brilliant film. So funny. “Pilloooooow”

[@sinbad799]

"Hello.". >>>"Raaaaaa!!!!!!!!!". 😂😂😂😂

[@luishumbertovega3900]

At 0:48, Puerto Rican actor Miguel Ángel Suárez (1939-2009) was also in Woody Allen's Bananas (1971), Sidney Pollack's Havana (1990) and Stephen Hopkins' Under Suspicion (2000).

[@sizedtoaster0278]

"Why does he get his own table?" Bruh Lol.

[@aaronimpactnz]

I watched this movie a couple of days and noticed Skip was always sticking his nose were it didn't belong. The two guys in the bar with the punching bag and Grossberger. That is how you get beaten up.

[@michaelvenables62]

Skip saw something in grosse burger no one else could see. You look at grosse burger at the end of the film, he's a friend we all wish we had. As great as a comedy as this was, there's some touching scenes and developments in this film that makes it such a classic.

[@MsVshizzle]

I was like 12 years old when I saw this and thought it was hilarious 😂 Great memory

[@etienneE]

And do not forget that it is Jonkheer (Eng : Squire) Erland van Lidth De Jeude, part of the no-title Dutch nobility. :)

[@chrism2966]

My all time favourite comedy film. So many classic and funny lines.

[@MarvelDcImage]

Always blows my mind that serious drama actor Sidney Poitier directed this comedy.

[@rigel5]

Hello! ...... RRRRRRR!!!!!!!!! Classic Gene Wilder! Great movie! Fat kid in our school got nick-named Grossberger after we all saw this movie! Even to this day he is still affectionately known as Gross!