Famous People Born In Peoria

Considered one of the greatest stand-up comedians of all time, Richard Pryor entertained his audience and influenced generations of stand-up comedians with his pointed observations and skilful art of storytelling. He began by performing at clubs and gained immense fame with his third comedy album, That Nigger’s Crazy. He also became an acclaimed actor and an award winning writer.

Best known for his Hyperion Cantos series, author Dan Simmons initially taught as part of an elementary school program named APEX. He has trained people in writing and has his own writing curriculum named Writing Well. He is also often found writing at his isolated cabin near Rocky Mountain.

Josh Gibson is an American cinematographer best known for his work in documentary films like B.B. King: The Life of Riley, End of the Road: How Money Became Worthless, and Nat King Cole: Afraid of the Dark. Josh Gibson has also worked as a cinematographer in feature films like Find Me and Comanche.