#20: Richard Pryor

Rank: Undisclosed

Duration: 2 Years

Richard Pryor remains an icon for fans of edgy humor and fearless satire. Dominating the comedy scene in the 1970s and 80s, Pryor’s talent shone through in memorable films like Pryor’s Place, Blazing Saddles, and The Young Lawyers.

But Pryor’s journey to stardom had an unexpected twist: his military service. Enlisting in the United States Army, Pryor’s time in uniform was marred by a controversial incident. Fed up with racial taunts, Pryor lashed out, landing himself in military prison for the majority of his two-year service. This turbulent chapter added depth to Pryor’s story, highlighting the complexities of race and identity in America’s history.