Difficult Actors to Work With42 of 48
Richard Pryor
Was known for being highly volatile and, at times, violent, due to his substance abuse issues.
Pryor was extremely difficult and volatile during the filming of Blue Collar (1978), clashing heavily with director Paul Schrader and co-stars Harvey Keitel and Yaphet Kotto.
Keitel and Kotto were both frustrated by Pryor's lengthy improvisation during scenes, with Keitel becoming so frustrated at one point, that he deliberately ruined a take in response. Pryor responded by pinning Keitel to the floor and beating him mercilessly.
Pryor also caused Paul Schrader to nearly have a nervous breakdown after he pulled a gun on Schrader in a drug-induced rage and told him he refused to do any more than three takes in a scene.
He also hit co-star George Memmoli over the head with a chair, fracturing his skull, which led to a lawsuit.
Was known for being highly volatile and, at times, violent, due to his substance abuse issues.
Pryor was extremely difficult and volatile during the filming of Blue Collar (1978), clashing heavily with director Paul Schrader and co-stars Harvey Keitel and Yaphet Kotto.
Keitel and Kotto were both frustrated by Pryor's lengthy improvisation during scenes, with Keitel becoming so frustrated at one point, that he deliberately ruined a take in response. Pryor responded by pinning Keitel to the floor and beating him mercilessly.
Pryor also caused Paul Schrader to nearly have a nervous breakdown after he pulled a gun on Schrader in a drug-induced rage and told him he refused to do any more than three takes in a scene.
He also hit co-star George Memmoli over the head with a chair, fracturing his skull, which led to a lawsuit.
PeopleRichard Pryor
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