i just want to pay homage to the best comedian i have ever saw. he ruled the 70's and 80's and had a decent film career before health has failed him. all the top comedians were influnced one way or another by him. he was the greatest.

best movie: live on sunset strip ( runner up: stir crazy)

best moment : "blackface" with wilder in "silver streak"

I was JUST listening to one of his old routines on record the other day with some friends. I transfered it over to cd a few years ago. We were riding in the car with it playing and dudes were in tears laughing so hard. I had to eject it b/c if not I was going to end up crashing.

Dude was a story teller and creator of a number of characters. Young comedians can learn a lot from him because his material was solid with or withour profanity. Without the curses there was still a solid story and punchline (i.e. his routine on SNL in the 70's).

He was the epitome in my opinion.

R.I.P.

Richard was the best. He will be missed.

i loved his stand-up in the 70's he was definitely my favorite, followed by robert klein, george carlin, firesign theatre and monty python. all right, i admit i liked cheech and chong too.

one movie roee that really stands out for me was in lady sings the blues. remember him as piano man? man he was fantastic. guy could have been a big-time dramatic actor if he had wanted to and been given the opportunity.

i still remember when he set himself on fire free-basing. .