SHORT TAKES : Pryor Better, ‘in Good Spirits’

Comedian Richard Pryor was in good spirits and making jokes about his plight today after being hospitalized following a minor heart attack, his agent said.

Pryor, 49, was listed in stable condition at Wesley Hospital, hospital spokeswoman Janice Wyatte said.

“Obviously, something like this tempers anyone,” his agent, Guy McElwaine, told Australian Associated Press. “It scares me and it scares him. But he’s in good spirits and making a few jokes.

“He said to me: now you’ll see what I’ll go through to create new material.”

Prior was admitted to the hospital three days ago suffering from chest pain. The condition was later diagnosed as a minor heart attack, Wyatte said. She did not say when he would be released, but McElwaine said he expects Pryor to be out by early next week.

McElwaine said Pryor is in Australia on vacation.