I AM RICHARD PRYOR Documentary Coming to Paramount Network

"I Am Richard Pryor," a glimpse into the life of a revolutionary stand-up, will be produced for the Paramount Network, according to Variety.

The film follows Richard Pryor as he rises from his impoverished childhood, growing up in a brothel run by his grandmother, to become the highest-paid performer in the entertainment industry. Pryor, a legendary stand-up and dominant American social critic on race, starred in "Stir Crazy," "Silver Streak," and other blockbuster films.

Jennifer Lee Pryor, the late comedian's wife, executive produces the project, backed by filmmaker Derik Murray's Network Entertainment. It's the next in the company's "I Am" series. The documentaries look at celebrities like Paul Walker, Heath Ledger, and Steve McQueen.

The Pryor film features interviews collaborators, friends, and famous fans including Lily Tomlin, Tiffany Haddish, Michael Epps, Howie Mandel, Sandra Bernhard, and Jimmie Walker. It includes footage from Pryor's stand-up specials and appearances and sketches from "The Richard Pryor Show" and from Tomlin's television specials.

"From very humble beginnings, my husband lifted himself up and propelled himself through an iconic comedy career during America's rockiest years, tackling racism, transcending boundaries, finding himself and inspiring many," said Jennifer Lee Pryor. "I am confident that Network Entertainment will produce an outstanding film about my husband that does him justice both as a cultural icon and as a man."

"We are excited that Jennifer Pryor has entrusted us to tell Richard's incredible yet complicated story," says Murray in a statement. "We are honored to showcase Richard's genius while delving deeper into the man whose work established him as one of comedy's most beloved and courageous icons."

Jesse James Miller directs "I Am Richard Pryor" and, along with Murray and Lee Pryor, the documentary is executive produced by Paul Gertz and Kent Wingerak.

Read the original story on Variety.

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