Brooks originally wanted Richard to play the Sheriff, but I don’t think it would have worked. Clevon was a much better choice, he was more of a classically-trained actor than a comedic actor, but that’s what made it work.
I always wanted to be a fly on the wall in the writers room for Your Show of Shows. Second Choice: Pryor and Brooks working together on Blazing.
I think Pryor was not in a state where he could even be depended upon to show up on a given day (well into substance abuse by that point) so they needed somebody more grounded and reliable. In hindsight, it’s hard to envision anyone in the role beside Little.
Actually Pryor realized he would not be a great cast and steered Brooks to Cleavon Little as his replacement.