ABC NEWS PRESENTS TWO-HOUR TELEVISION EVENT ON LIFE AND LEGACY OF TRAILBLAZING COMEDIAN RICHARD PRYOR

'The Last Days of Richard Pryor' Airs Thursday, Jan. 16 (9:00 - 11:00 p.m. EST), on ABC

Richard Pryor is best known for his trailblazing comedy which served as an inspiration to generations. Almost 15 years after his death, ABC News presents a two-hour television event on his life and legacy. The special includes excerpts from Barbara Walters' interviews with Pryor, some of them never seen before, during which he talks about his complicated childhood, growing up in a brothel and what drove his success. The program also reports on Pryor's career and groundbreaking work that showcased the world of black America through the lens of standup comedy. Told through the eyes of those close to Pryor, the special features new interviews with his widow, Jennifer Pryor, and comedians and actors who worked with him. "The Last Days of Richard Pryor" airs Thursday, Jan. 16 (9:00 - 11:00 p.m. EST), on ABC.

The special is produced by ABC News. David Sloan is senior executive producer. Muriel Pearson is executive producer.