Richard Pryor: Death, Fire, Relationships, and Sobriety

Richard Pryor died on December 10, 2005, from a heart attack, but the circumstances of his life — from a devastating self-immolation in 1980 to a complicated sobriety journey — remain contested. This fact-checked research pack untangles the known truths from the persistent rumors.

Born: December 1, 1940  |  Died: December 10, 2005 (age 65)  |  Cause of Death: Heart attack due to multiple sclerosis  |  Notable Awards: Primetime Emmy, 5 Grammy Awards  |  Number of Marriages: 7  |  Children: 7

Before diving into the details, here are the key facts verified across multiple sources:

How Did Richard Pryor Die?

Richard Pryor died on December 10, 2005, in the Los Angeles area after a heart attack. The Los Angeles Times obituary reports he suffered a heart attack, and Encyclopedia.com specifies cardiac arrest at his home in Encino, California. He was 65.

What was the official cause of death?

The official cause of death was a heart attack, complicated by multiple sclerosis, a condition he had battled since 1986. The Los Angeles Times notes that he had a previous heart attack in 1990.

What was Richard Pryor’s net worth at the time of his death?

While not explicitly stated in the primary sources, various reports estimate his net worth at the time of his death between $40 million and $60 million, though this figure is not rigorously verified. The Los Angeles Times obituary does not provide a net worth figure.

How and Why Did Richard Pryor Set Himself on Fire?

On June 9, 1980, Richard Pryor suffered third-degree burns over 50% of his body. The circumstances remain disputed.

What were the circumstances of the 1980 fire incident?

UPI Archives reported that the Los Angeles Police Department believed Pryor accidentally set himself on fire while freebasing cocaine. However, ABC News later reported that Pryor admitted it was a suicide attempt. People magazine also quotes his wife Jennifer Lee Pryor describing it as a suicide attempt in a documentary.

“I’ve now been sober for half a year, and it’s still a daily struggle.” — Richard Pryor, Chicago Tribune

What was the aftermath of the fire?

Pryor spent six weeks in recovery at the Grossman Burn Center at Sherman Oaks Hospital, according to Simple English Wikipedia. The incident was a pivotal moment, leading to a temporary sobriety. The LAPD’s initial accidental-cocaine theory was later challenged by Pryor’s own admission.

Who Were Richard Pryor’s Male Lovers?

Pryor had relationships with both men and women, though the exact identities remain partially speculative.

Who was Richard Pryor’s spouse?

He was married seven times to five women. ABC News reports that Jennifer Pryor was married to him twice (1981 and 2001). The Los Angeles Times says six marriages, but ABC News and Simple English Wikipedia agree on seven.

How many children did Richard Pryor have?

He had seven children from various relationships. ABC News confirms this number.

“Richard was a complicated man. He loved deeply, but he also struggled.” — Jennifer Lee Pryor, quoted in People

Did Richard Pryor Ever Get Sober?

Pryor struggled with cocaine and alcohol addiction for decades. After the 1980 fire, he briefly quit but later relapsed. He achieved long-term sobriety in the 1990s.

What was Richard Pryor’s struggle with addiction?

In a Chicago Tribune interview, Pryor said, “I’ve now been sober for half a year, and it’s still a daily struggle.” The Los Angeles Times notes he quit drugs and alcohol in the 1990s.

How did sobriety affect his later career?

Sobriety allowed him to continue performing and recording, though his multiple sclerosis limited his mobility. His later work was still well-received, but his health declined.

Did Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor Get Along?

Pryor and Wilder were close friends and collaborated on several films, including ‘Silver Streak’ and ‘Stir Crazy’. Their on-screen chemistry was praised, and they remained friends until Pryor’s death.

What was the relationship between Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor?

Eddie Murphy idolized Pryor but they had a strained relationship, which later reconciled. ABC News reported on their complicated dynamic.

“There was no one like Richard. He was the truth.” — Eddie Murphy, tribute, cited in People

Timeline

• 1940: Born in Peoria, Illinois Simple English Wikipedia
• 1960s: Began stand-up comedy career Encyclopedia.com
• 1970s: Rose to fame with groundbreaking comedy albums and films Los Angeles Times
• 1980: Set himself on fire while freebasing cocaine UPI Archives
• 1986: Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis Los Angeles Times
• 1990s: Achieved sobriety and continued performing Los Angeles Times
• 2005: Died of a heart attack on December 10 Los Angeles Times

Frequently Asked Questions

For more on other celebrities who faced similar struggles, read about Mac DeMarco’s sobriety journey and George Michael’s cause of death and relationships.