Hollywood has lost another legend, as Nicholas Pryor, the beloved character actor known for his role opposite a young Tom Cruise in “Risky Business” (1983), has passed away at the age of 89. According to reports from the “New York Post”, Pryor died peacefully at his home in Wilmington, North Carolina, after a battle with cancer. Despite his health struggles, Pryor continued working in the industry until his retirement in 2021, leaving behind a legacy that spans over six decades.
Pryor’s most iconic role came in “Risky Business”, where he portrayed the watchful, albeit clueless, father of Cruise’s character—a teenager who takes full advantage of his parents’ absence, leading to a steamy and wild adventure that became one of the defining films of the 1980s.
Pryor’s steady presence as a supportive, yet stern father figure not only grounded the film but also helped set the stage for Tom Cruise’s meteoric rise to stardom. It’s a contribution that Pryor always held dear.
While “Risky Business” remains a highlight of his career, Pryor went on to play similar roles in other films, including the critically acclaimed “Less Than Zero” (1987), where he played the father of Robert Downey Jr.’s troubled character.
In that film, Pryor once again portrayed a father trying to hold things together as his son navigated darker realities—this time involving drug addiction and the decay of the American dream.
Pryor’s career wasn’t just limited to playing father figures. He had an extensive filmography that included roles in “Pacific Heights” (1990), “Executive Decision” (1996), and “Collateral Damage” (2002). His television appearances were just as impressive, from daytime soaps like “General Hospital” to guest spots on “Beverly Hills, 90210”, where he also met his future wife, Christine Belford.
Tributes have poured in from across the industry, with Emmy-winning actor Jon Lindstrom offering heartfelt words on social media. Lindstrom, a longtime friend and co-star, praised Pryor as “an Actor’s actor” who not only excelled in his craft but also made a profound impact on the people around him.
“Nick was my friend, one of the best I’ve ever had,” Lindstrom wrote, recalling how Pryor had been a mentor, confidant, and “father-figure” to him, both on and off the screen.
In recent years, Pryor continued to make his mark, appearing in smaller but impactful roles. In 2019, he joined Ewan McGregor in “Doctor Sleep”, the sequel to “The Shining”, and in 2021, he had a part in “Halloween Kills”, marking one of his final on-screen performances.
Pryor’s legacy will be remembered not only for the roles he played but for the grace and humor with which he carried himself through life. His contributions to both film and television left a lasting impression on audiences, and his work ethic and friendship left a lasting mark on his colleagues. He is survived by his wife, Christine, daughter Stacey, and two grandchildren, Gus and Avril.
