Richard Pryor’s comedic influence ignored boundaries and opened frontiers. For more than 40 years he combined folklore, impersonations and razor-sharp observations about social and political conditions that served the double-edged purpose of leaving audiences in stitches while simultaneously opening their minds. His semi-autobiographical feature directorial debut, Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling, proved he was as adept behind a camera as he was behind a microphone on a stand-up stage.

On Sunday, May 15, 2005 the DGA African American Steering committee hosted a tribute to Pryor which featured heartfelt, yet often hilarious accolades from DGA Third Vice President Paris Barclay, AASC co-chair Millicent Shelton, DGA Director-members Ted Lange, Penelope Spheeris, Michael Schultz, DGA Past President Arthur Hiller, actress Fay Hauser and comedians Mike Epps, Eddie Griffin, and Paul Mooney. Additionally there were taped tributes from director/actor Sidney Poitier, and comedians Whoopi Goldberg, Cedric the Entertainer, Dave Chappelle and Robin Williams. There was also a special short film tribute to Pryor directed by DGA member Bobby Mardis and narrated by DGA Board Member Carl Weathers. DGA director member Robert Townsend acted as master of ceremonies.

The overall feeling of the day was best summed up by Ted Lange who stated, “Does Richard Pryor know anything about humor? Richard wrote the f@#king book!”