“The Toy” Star Scott Schwartz Learned About Sex from His Friendship with Richard Pryor on the Film’s Set

Title: Scott Schwartz Reflects on a Life-Changing Friendship with Richard Pryor in New Documentary

In a candid discussion in the latest episode of Investigation Discovery’s *Hollywood Demons*, Scott Schwartz, now 57, opens up about the profound impact comedian Richard Pryor had on his life during the filming of the 1982 film *The Toy*. At the time, Schwartz was a child actor, navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry alongside Pryor, who was battling his own struggles with addiction.

Schwartz recalls that despite Pryor’s well-documented issues with cocaine, their bond was built on open conversations about various life topics. “He was fun,” Schwartz remembers. “I was a kid, but we discussed everything—from theatre and comedy to life’s heavier challenges like drugs and relationships. He was candid and said, ‘Any questions you have, just call me. I’ve done it all.’”

Their friendship was not limited to deep discussions. Schwartz shared amusing anecdotes from the set, highlighting Pryor’s mischievous side. One memorable instance involved a well-timed setup involving the trailers of the film’s extras. Schwartz recounts, “There was this stunning woman behind my trailer, and I got the chance to see quite a bit more than I had anticipated. I was blown away.”

In a cheeky twist, Schwartz even tried to thank the transportation coordinator for his good fortune by offering to take him out for dinner. However, it turned out to be Pryor’s idea to place the trailers in such a way, leading the coordinator to suggest that Schwartz should share his gratitude with the comedic icon.

Pryor also displayed a protective, almost brotherly instinct over Schwartz during filming. The younger actor reminisced about how Pryor would direct attractive extras to his trailer, leading to intense yet innocent encounters with girls his own age. “At the time, nobody batted an eyelid,” Schwartz remarked. “It was all in good fun, and everyone respected Richard’s authority on set.”

Following the wrap of *The Toy*, Schwartz and Pryor lost touch for some time, but the younger actor felt compelled to reach out when he experienced a significant milestone in his personal life. “After about 17 months, I had my first experience with a girl, and Richard was the first person I called. Talking with him for 45 minutes after that moment really altered my perspective on life.”

Schwartz went on to relate the circumstances of his first encounter, explaining that the young woman was several years his senior and that the discussions around his budding maturity were tackled with humour and support from both his father and Pryor. “She approached my father at a Christmas party and made a joke about the age difference,” he said. “My dad just laughed and asked where he needed to drive me. That was the kind of support I had.”

The documentary, titled *Child Stars Gone Wild*, premieres on Monday, April 27, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT, and features several stories from young stars navigating fame and the complexities of adulthood. Schwartz’s experiences on the set of *The Toy* provide viewers with a unique glimpse into the dynamic between child actors and industry veterans, illustrating the often unspoken mentorship relationships that form in Hollywood.

This exploration into Schwartz’s past has been prompted by the increased scrutiny and discussion surrounding child actors in recent years. With many former child stars publicly addressing the challenges they faced, Schwartz’s reflections contribute to a broader dialogue about the responsibilities of adult figures in the lives of young talents.

*Hollywood Demons* continues to shine a light on the often-overlooked realities of childhood fame, revealing both the glamorous and the challenging aspects of being thrust into the spotlight at a young age. Schwartz’s heartfelt recounting of his friendship with Richard Pryor underscores the importance of mentorship and support during such formative years, cementing both men’s legacies in the annals of Hollywood history.