Movies - TV
Mel Brooks Quit Blazing Saddles For Days After The Studio Refused One Thing
By JEREMY SMITH
Comedy veteran Mel Brooks once quit “Blazing Saddles,” a movie he co-wrote and directed, in protest against studio bosses not supporting his wish to give Richard Pryor a role.
Films like “Blazing Saddles” were considered provocative in their day. However, this movie has stood the test of time, resonating for targeting intolerant attitudes.
When it came to lampooning racism, satirist Brooks acquired the input of Richard Pryor, an African-American stand-up comedian on the verge of big-screen stardom at that time.
As a formidable performer and social observer, Pryor's involvement in “Blazing Saddles” was integral to its effectiveness and Brooks was set on him starring as the Black sheriff.
Warner Bros studio’s rejection of his casting was based on concern that Pryor’s drug-related run-ins with law enforcement made him unreliable. Enraged, Brooks quit the film.
He returned three days later after Pryor promoted Cleavon Little for the role. “Richard [said]: ‘He has poise, and he's really charming. But he's black as coal,’” Brooks told EW.