PEORIA, Il. (September 26, 2014) – Spearheaded by
George Lopez, “A Night For Richard” will honor the legacy of Richard Pryor in a historic,one-night-only show at the SMG managed Peoria Civic Center, in Peoria, Illinois, on Sunday, November 2nd to benefit the Richard Pryor statue. Lopez has invited some of the biggest names in comedy to join him in honoring Pryor, including
Cedric ‘The Entertainer’, D.L. Hughley,
Eddie Griffin, and
Mike Epps.The seven-and-a-half foot clay carving of Richard Pryor by Peoria-based artist Preston Jackson will serve as the gateway to the city’s developing Warehouse District. It is slated for unveiling at the end of 2014.The late comedian’s wife,
Jennifer Lee Pryor, has also given her support to the event.“There is no greater tribute than when your hometown honors you. I am thrilled and moved by this beautiful work of art by Preston Jackson. I know Richard is happy too and is smiling down. Thank you to George Lopez and all of the other comics for coming together to remember Richard and to the African American Hall of Fame Committee and the City of Peoria for this great honor!”
“Richard Pryor deserves a statue in his hometown. I am honored to be involved in making that happen,” says George Lopez.
About “A Night For Richard” Entertainment:
George Lopez’s career spans numerous standup specials and late night television appearances. He lent his voice to films such as Rio,Beverly Hills Chihuahua, The Smurfs, and their sequels. And he also starred in and produced his own sitcom,“George Lopez” which ran for six seasons on ABC and hosted late night talk show “Lopez Tonight” on TBS.
Cedric ‘The Entertainer’ is an actor and game show host, best known for co-starring along with Harvey on “The Steve Harvey Show” and starring as ‘Eddie’ in the Barbershop films.
D.J. Hughley was a member of The Original Kings of Comedy, a correspondent for The Jay Leno Show, host of D.L. Hughley Breaks The News on CNN and the original host of BET’s ComicView.
Eddie Griffin appeared on the big screen in Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo, Scary Movie 3, John Q, and Armageddon to name a few. Griffin performed on Simmons’ “Def Comedy Jam,” many standup specials and starred in hit comedy series “Malcolm and Eddie” he even wrote and produced four episodes, one of which featured his mentor, Richard Pryor.
Mike Epps got his big break as ‘Day-Day’ in Next Friday and Friday After Next. Epps has also appeared in Hangover and Welcome Home,Roscoe Jenkins in addition to voicing ‘Boog’ in Open Season 2 and ‘Sonny’ in Dr. Dolittle 2.
