Famous names from all walks of Hollywood, from comedy to drama, have gathered together in remembrance of legendary comedian, Richard Pryor, who passed away this Saturday from a heart attack.

Pryor, age 65, ended a debilitating battle with MS at a hospital near his home in California's San Fernando Valley.

"He did not suffer, he went quickly and at the end there was a smile on his face," his wife, Jennifer Pryor, told the AP. "I'm honored now that I have an opportunity to protect and continue his legacy because he's a very, very, very amazing man and he opened doors to so many people."

Pryor elevated the art of stand-up comedy and provided a gate way for black comedians to come. His constant use of the n-word helped him to divulge his comedy into deeper subject matter: living as a black man in America.

Frontrunners of modern comedy, including Eddie Murphy, Jamie Foxx, Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock and Robin Williams (just to name a few) have delighted in his pioneering. Check out memories from celebs.

He went to Hollywood, like so many comedians who would follow, starring in a string of hits including "Stir Crazy" and "Silver Streak." His stand-up film "Richard Pryor Live on the Sunset Strip" set the standard that others from Murphy to Eddie Griffin to Andrew Dice Clay would later emulate.

Like others of his time, Pryor's career was marked by a history of drug abuse and alcohol. A freebasing accident turned suicide attempt also left him with severe burns.

America has truly lost a comic icon/legend, but the spirit and fresh style of Richard Pryor will live on forever.
Funeral services for Richard Pryor will be private with a memorial service by invitation. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the comedian's recently established animal charity Pryor's Planet, C/O Edward D. Astrin, CPA, 16633 Ventura Blvd. #1450, Encino, CA 91436.