Willie P. Richardson, known to many as "The Phone Prankster," was born on August 8, 1947 in Texas. From a young age, Richardson had a knack for making people laugh and entertaining those around him.
Before gaining fame as a comedian and prankster, Richardson held a variety of jobs to make ends meet. He worked as a furniture deliverer, a milk truck driver, a landscape worker, and even as a molder at a brass valve factory. These experiences helped shape his sense of humor and laid the groundwork for his future career in comedy.
Richardson's big break came when he started performing standup comedy at local clubs and venues. His unique style of humor and quick wit quickly caught the attention of audiences, leading to bookings at larger comedy clubs and eventually on the national stage.
It was on the radio that Richardson truly made a name for himself. Known as "The Phone Prankster," he delighted listeners with his hilarious and outrageous prank calls on hundreds of radio stations nationwide. His appearances on SiriusXM's Laugh USA Channel solidified his reputation as a master prankster.
Richardson's talent for prank calls led to the release of more than a dozen albums, which collectively sold over 1.25 million copies. Fans couldn't get enough of his comedic genius, and he continued to release new albums annually to meet the demand.
Behind the scenes, Richardson's personal life was just as colorful as his comedy career. He was married to Lucretia, who also shared his love for telephone pranks. The two of them were quite the dynamic duo, bringing laughter and joy to all who knew them.
Throughout his career, Richardson shared the stage with numerous entertainers, including the legendary Ray Price. His influence on the comedy world was undeniable, and his legacy continues to inspire a new generation of comedians.
Though Richardson retired from the road in 2014, his impact on the world of comedy will always be remembered. He may have hung up his prankster hat, but his humor lives on in the hearts of his fans and fellow comedians.