7 Shocking Facts About Richard Pryor Jr.: The Son Who Stepped Into His Father's Iconic Role

For decades, the name Richard Pryor has been synonymous with groundbreaking, fearless comedy. But for Richard Pryor Jr., being the son of the "King of Comedy" has been a journey of forging his own identity, a path that recently led him to a remarkable and deeply personal career moment. As of December 2025, Pryor Jr. has stepped into a role that directly honors his father’s work, proving that while a legacy can open doors, true talent carves its own stage. This article dives into the most current and essential facts about the comedian's son, from his latest film projects to his candid discussions on identity and family.

The latest and most compelling update regarding Richard Pryor Jr.'s career is his casting in the BET+ exclusive film, Brewster's Millions: Christmas, where he takes on the character of Montgomery Brewster. This is a powerful, full-circle moment, given that his father, Richard Pryor Sr., starred in the iconic 1985 film, Brewster's Millions. This project, alongside his continued work in film and theater, highlights his commitment to an artistic life that both respects and moves beyond his legendary lineage.

Richard Pryor Jr. Biography: A Life in the Shadow and the Spotlight

Richard Pryor Jr.'s life began far from the Hollywood spotlight that would later define his family name. He was born in the early 1960s, a crucial time in his father's nascent career, and his upbringing provided a unique perspective on the Pryor legacy.

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• Full Name: Richard "Richie" Pryor Jr.
• Date of Birth: April 10, 1962
• Birthplace: Peoria, Illinois, U.S.
• Father: Richard Pryor Sr. (Legendary stand-up comedian and actor)
• Mother: Patricia Price (Richard Pryor Sr.'s first wife)
• Siblings: Renee Pryor, Elizabeth Anne Pryor, Rain Pryor, Steven Pryor, Mason Pryor, and Kelsey Pryor (seven children in total)
• Upbringing: Primarily raised in Peoria, Illinois, by his mother, Patricia Price, while his father was frequently touring.
• Known For: Actor, independent filmmaker, and stage performer. Notable works include Beyond the Basement Door and Brewster's Millions: Christmas.
• Education: Graduated and left Peoria to pursue his career.

The Full-Circle Moment: Stepping into Montgomery Brewster’s Shoes

One of the most talked-about developments in Richard Pryor Jr.'s career is his starring role in the 2024 BET+ holiday film, Brewster's Millions: Christmas. This project is not just another acting credit; it is a direct, emotional tribute to his father’s cinematic history.

The Legacy of Brewster's Millions

The original 1985 film, Brewster's Millions, starred Richard Pryor Sr. as Montgomery Brewster, a minor league baseball pitcher who must spend $30 million in 30 days to inherit $300 million. The film was a significant box office success and remains one of his most recognizable non-stand-up roles.

In the modern, Christmas-themed reboot, Richard Pryor Jr. takes on the same iconic character name, Montgomery Brewster. This casting choice, featuring the son in the father's legendary role, has been celebrated as a powerful continuation of the Pryor family legacy in Hollywood. His sister, Rain Pryor, also co-stars in the film, making it a true family affair and a joint effort to honor their father’s work.

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The film's release and the subsequent press surrounding it have given Pryor Jr. a platform to reflect on the complexities of carrying such a famous name. He has spoken candidly about the pressure and the eventual comfort he found in embracing his lineage, transforming it from a shadow to a spotlight for his own talent. He and Rain Pryor have used their promotional interviews to discuss not just the film, but also their father's impact on comedy, mental health, and the importance of family.

Forging His Own Path: Identity, Stage Work, and Independent Film

While the Brewster's Millions role has brought him mainstream attention, Richard Pryor Jr.'s career is built on years of independent and stage work, where he has explored themes of identity, relationships, and the human condition—themes that echo the raw honesty of his father’s comedy, but through a unique lens.

Exploring Identity on Stage

Pryor Jr. is known for his work in the theater scene, particularly in Chicago, where he starred in a show titled Lipstick Goes On Last. This production was notable for its exploration of complex relationships and identity, with Pryor Jr.'s character navigating a marriage while being in love with another man. This choice of material reflects his own openness about his life and his commitment to tackling challenging, personal narratives in his art. He has often spoken about the discomfort he once felt using his last name and how he has grown to use it to further his own creative expression.

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Key Independent Film Projects

Beyond the stage, Pryor Jr. has a significant presence in independent cinema. One of his most recognized roles is as Arthur O'Leary in the 2012 Lovecraftian short film, Beyond the Basement Door. In this project, he plays a nosy neighbor, showcasing his versatility in genres far removed from the comedy world of his father. This film, along with others like Amazed by You, demonstrates his dedication to the craft of acting and his willingness to take on diverse, character-driven roles.

His independent work is a testament to his desire to establish a legacy based on his own merit. He is not merely a celebrity child; he is a working actor and artist who has deliberately sought out projects that resonate with his personal experiences and artistic vision. By choosing to appear in films like Beyond the Basement Door and stage shows that explore identity, he has carved out a distinct niche in the entertainment industry.

The Relationship with the King of Comedy

The relationship between Richard Pryor Jr. and his father, Richard Pryor Sr., was typical of a father and son, but complicated by the elder Pryor’s turbulent life and career. Growing up in Peoria, away from the Hollywood circus, gave Pryor Jr. a perspective different from his other siblings. He was raised by his mother, Patricia Price, and only saw his father when the star was in town or on tour.

Despite the distance and the complexities, Pryor Jr. has consistently spoken about the love and connection he shared with his father. He has been instrumental in keeping the Richard Pryor legacy alive through various interviews and projects, often reflecting on his father's genius and the impact of his groundbreaking comedy. This commitment to preserving the integrity of his father's work, while simultaneously building his own career, is a defining characteristic of Richard Pryor Jr.'s public life. His recent collaboration with his sister, Rain, on the Brewster's Millions: Christmas film is a powerful symbol of the family's joint effort to celebrate and continue the Pryor name in the creative arts.

Richard Pryor Jr. is a compelling figure who embodies the struggle and triumph of establishing a personal identity within a colossal family legacy. From his early life in Peoria to his current role as Montgomery Brewster, his career is a narrative of resilience, artistic independence, and a profound respect for the name he carries. By embracing diverse roles and speaking openly about his life, he has proven that he is not just the son of a legend, but a talented, multifaceted artist in his own right, ensuring the Pryor name continues to resonate across stage and screen for a new generation.