Comic "trailblazer" Richard Pryor dies, 65

Comics have paid tribute after the death of their trailblazing colleague Richard Pryor, aged 65.

The stand-up comedian and actor was famous for his uncompromising work on modern life and race relations during the 1970s and 80s.

Roles in films such as Stir Crazy and Silver Streak made him a big-name, and well paid, Hollywood actor.

Racially-aware director Spike Lee told CNN Pryor was "an innovator, a trailblazer", and added: "It's a great loss."

Fellow comedian Lenny Henry told the BBC: "He was one of the greatest comedians who ever drew breath.

"He was a character comedian on a par with Chaplin - he could do things with his body that Rowan Atkinson could only dream of."

Music producer Quincy Jones added: "He was the Charlie Parker of comedy, a master of telling the truth that influenced every comedian that came after him. The legacy he leaves will forever be with us."

Pryor's wife Jennifer Lee Pryor said: "He did not suffer, he went quickly and at the end there was a smile on his face."

In January this year Pryor was voted the tenth best comedian ever.