Will Smith became embroiled in a controversy after he slapped comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars ceremony in 2022. After Rock joked about Jada Pinkett-Smith, the star went up the stage to give him a slap and then exclaimed profanities. The incident resulted in Smith resigning from the Academy and being banned from the ceremony.

The two have addressed the incident on multiple occasions and Smith reportedly even apologized to Rock publicly. While the two may now have a history of disagreement, they may agree on one opinion. Smith recently agreed with Martin Lawrence on Richard Pryor being one of the best stand-up comics of all time, which Rock too has expressed on multiple occasions.

Will Smith And Martin Lawrence Speak About Richard Pryor

Will Smith and Martin Lawrence in Bad Boys: Ride or Die | Credits: Columbia Pictures/Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films/Westbrook Studios/2.0 Entertainment

Will Smith has worked on several comedies and even had his breakthrough with the sitcom . The actor has since worked on comedies such as and brings his signature sense of humor to films such as , and many more. The actor has often been appreciated for his fun and cheerful demeanor.

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While promoting their latest release , Martin Lawrence and Smith appeared on the channel Complex, where they were asked to choose prominent names who they considered the greatest of all time. The categories included areas such as basketball, sitcoms, summer anthems, celebrity cameos, and more.

Richard Pryor | Credits: Superman III/Dovemead Ltd./Warner Bros.

When choosing the ‘GOAT’ stand-up comic, Martin Lawrence chose legendary Black comedian Richard Pryor. Will Smith agreed with Lawrence’s choice as the comedian is known for his signature style of delivery and honest observations. Lawrence also mentioned Eddie Murphy as a significant influence, which Smith agreed to. He said,

Richard Pryor has been widely regarded as one of the greatest entertainers of all time. The stand-up comic broke new ground for Black comedians at the time and spoke about many issues plaguing the community at the time, presenting it hilariously.

Chris Rock Considered Richard Pryor To Be An Inspiration

Chris Rock | Credits: Spiral/Twisted Pictures/Lionsgate

Before becoming an actor and a never-to-be-forgotten Oscar presenter, Chris Rock started his career as a stand-up comic, which he still continues. The comic cited Richard Pryor as a huge inspiration for him as a comedian and gave a soulful tribute to the legend when he passed away in 2005.

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Giving his statement to MTV News at the time, Chris Rock mentioned the risks that Pryor took in his material and called him the King of Comedy,

Many others such as Michael Jackson and the late Bernie Mac echoed his sentiments. Pryor’s daughter, Rain Pryor commented on the infamous Slapgate controversy involving Will Smith and Chris Rock. She spoke about meeting both of them in person at different times and said how wonderful both individuals were. She said to People,

Though the two have yet to rekindle their friendship which they shared in their early careers, the actors are sure to agree that Richard Pryor was the GOAT.