While there, he became so interested in performing on stage that "he and the school parted company by mutual consent.

"[5] Pryor's debut on stage came in stock theater when he was 18, after which he worked with several repertory theatre companies.

[6] His Broadway credits include The Backslapper (1925), The Sea Woman (1925), Paid (1925), Saturday's Children (1927), The Royal Family (1927), See Naples and Die (1929), Apron Strings (1930), Up Pops the Devil (1930), A Modern Virgin (1931), Here Goes the Bride (1931), Blessed Event (1932), There's Always Juliet (1932), and Message for Margaret (1947).

Pryor was host of "a number of prestigious network programs,"[6] including The United States Steel Hour,[9]: 345  The Pause That Refreshes,[9]: 267 , The Coca-Cola Summer Show[9] and The Screen Guild Theater.

[11]: 534 In 1947, Pryor changed careers, becoming vice president in charge of broadcasting at Foote, Cone and Belding advertising agency.