Inside Pam Grier and Richard Pryor's Dangerous Romance

Publish date: 2024-05-19

Pam Grier met Richard Pryor while she was still in a relationship with Prinze, but they began dating when they filmed "Greased Lightning."

During their time together, comedian Richard Pryor was struggling with substance abuse. Although she tried her best to put him in a straight path, she revealed that they were in such a "dangerous" romance.

Despite having his best interest at heart, the relationship between Grier and Pryor ended because of his drug problem. After being together for years, her love was not enough to save him and that was that for her.

Actress Pam Grier visits Build Series to discuss subscription video-on-demand service BrownSugar.com at Build Studio in New York City | Photo: Getty Images

HELPING PRYOR OUT

While they were together, Grier helped Pryor with his insecurities, which largely revolved around his illiteracy. She helped him learn how to read, and she took him into a proper home where they settled down as a couple.

However, due to the influences around the comedian, he spiraled down and ended up with a huge drug problem. In fact, it once got so bad that he poured rum on his body and lit himself on fire. It was only until police put him out that he was saved.

CALLING IT QUITS

When she's had enough, she would refuse to help him the same way she's constantly tried to save him. Grier considered this as "tough love" in hopes of him changing. When he didn't, she ultimately ended their relationship.

In more recent news, Pam Grier recently slammed rumors circulating that she was battling stage 4 cancer.

Pam Grier of 'Bless This Mess' attends a TCA Studio Day hosted by Twentieth Century Fox Television at Sunset Ranch Hollywood | Photo: Getty Images

HER OTHER HEARTBREAKS

Aside from dating Pryor, Grier also dated other notable men, including Kareem Abdul-Jabar and Prinze. The same way, these relationships ended up in heartbreak for the actress. With Abdul-Jabar, she refused to convert to being a Muslim and this put an end to their relationship.

Meanwhile, although Prinze was a rising movie star at the time of their relationship, his ambitions and even fortune were blown away by his addiction to cocaine. Although she broke up before his self-inflicted death in 1977, she was one of the last people he spoke to before it happened.

Pam Grier poses on the red carpet during the Sitges Film Festival 2018 at the Hotel Melia in Sitges, Spain. | Photo: Getty Images

In more recent news, Pam Grier recently slammed rumors circulating that she was battling stage 4 cancer. A representative from her camp decided to deny the claims as she is in good health and ready to film her show "Bless the Mess."

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