Romesh Ranganathan to present Richard Pryor documentary
- Romesh Ranganathan is to present a documentary about his hero, American stand-up Richard Pryor
- The hour-long Passions: Richard Pryor By Romesh Ranganathan will be shown on Sky Arts later this year
- Talking about filming the show, he says: "It was great to be able to explore the genius of Richard Pryor"
Romesh Ranganathan is to present a documentary about his comedy hero, American stand-up Richard Pryor.
Passions: Richard Pryor By Romesh Ranganathan will be broadcast as part of Sky Arts on-going Passions strand in which .
The programme makers explain: "Romesh's obsession with Pryor began when he was 15 years old and has continued into adulthood - he even has a permanent tribute to Pryor tattooed on his arm.
"In this hour-long documentary, Romesh travels to LA to follow in the footsteps of the troubled comic who he considers to be the greatest stand-up of all time. Comparing his own comfortable suburban existence with the troubled life and times of his comedic hero, he'll examine what, for him, made Pryor the king of the form and such an inspiration to him.
"Pryor's uncompromising honesty, on-stage freedom and fierce topical observations are all qualities that Romesh hugely admires, and this quest will bring him closer to his hero than ever before. Along the way he'll meet the people who knew him personally on the comedy scene as well as privately behind the scenes, giving Romesh a whole new perspective on his comedy icon."
Romesh Ranganathan says: "It was great to be able to explore the genius of Richard Pryor and learn more about one of my heroes. Spending time in LA talking to various people about his life, I felt grateful for both the experience and for the fact he didn't spend his life in Hastings."
The documentary is being made by Rumpus Media, the production company behind Ranganathan's Asian Provocateur travel series. Executive Producer Emily Hudd says: "We are thrilled to be working with Romesh again on this documentary. Getting the insiders take on Pryor's comedy and life from someone who is himself a brilliant stand-up is a real treat."
Passions: Richard Pryor By Romesh Ranganathan will be shown on Sky Arts later this year.