Previous Next Latest

“Dolemite” Actor, Hip-Hop Muse Rudy Ray Moore Dies At 81

10/20/08, 3:44 pm EST

Photo: Miller/Getty

Dolemite actor Rudy Ray Moore died last week due to complications from diabetes. He was 81. In addition to being a blaxploitation film icon thanks to Dolemite, his character’s fast-talking, street-walking persona served as a blueprint for many hip-hop stars whom he would inspire. Moore was one of the early champions of the hip-hop culture and collaborated with artists like Snoop Dogg, Big Daddy Kane and 2 Live Crew (on the song “Throw the Dick.”) After starting out as a singer, Moore made the segue into comedy, releasing over 30 comedy albums and appearing in 18 films over the course of his career, but he’ll always remembered for his role as Dolomite, the silver-tongued pimp. Moore helped paved the way for comics like Richard Pryor, as Moore’s records were often so controversial for their language that stores would either refuse to stock his albums or place them behind the counter in brown bags. In 2000, Moore resurrected the Dolemite character for the first time in 20 years for the Insane Clown Posse film Big Money Hustlas. Moore is survived by his daughter and 98 year-old mother.

Related Stories:

Snoop Dogg: America’s Most Lovable Pimp

Album Review: Bid Daddy Kane, Taste of Chocolate

Hip Hop’s Greatest Year: 15 Albums That Made Rap Explode


Previous Next Latest

Comments

Michael Grimmett | 10/20/2008, 6:56 pm EST

Just listened to one of his routines on the satellite radio comedy channel.BMF-Dolemite. I was smiling the whole time. This man was a true talent and a genuine original. He was the comedian that,in later years, influenced Pryor,Mooney to stop using the N-word and respect the African- American people in that way. R.I.P

felix | 10/20/2008, 8:52 pm EST

Mooney never stopped using it! R.I.P.

Jeff | 10/20/2008, 11:37 pm EST

Rudy was brilliant as Dolemite. To me his best moment was rolling down a step hill naked, getting to the bottom and saying “So y’all don’t believe I jumped huh? Well watch this good shit.” The film rewinds and shows the scene a second time…….CLASSIC ! He’ll be missed.

Jimmy Conner | 10/21/2008, 12:17 pm EST

I had the greatist of pleasure of beig Exposed to “Dolemite” in 1974, Having the 1st chance 2 talk with him in 76. I found him to be very encouraging and The opportunity presented itself in 02 To do some shows with him. He was an inspiration to my career and later I life enjoyed interacting with him because he was such a joy to listen to his advice and encouraging words!!!
He will be missed on this earth; So, all I can say at this time is Rudy: rest in peace
and thanks for the opportunities as well as the memories!!!!

Reese | 10/21/2008, 10:13 pm EST

Oh man I loved Dolomite I remember the episode with him on Martin when they did the flash back into the 70’s for the best Pimp

=( | 10/22/2008, 3:08 pm EST

DAMN IT WHY DID HE HAVE TO DIE……

dani | 12/1/2008, 3:03 pm EST

I had the privilege of sitting on the airplane next to his daughter on her way to his funeral. What a beautiful, kind and dynamic lady!! It is one of the warm memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Bouvier Paris Battles | 2/18/2009, 10:42 am EST

Growing up in Chicago I would go to the movies and watch Mr. Moore movies and to my suprise he would sometimes be there sitting in the back of the theater watching his movies. I made it my point to say hello and tell him that I enjoyed his movies like The Human Tornado.

Ernest | 7/27/2009, 11:07 am EST

He was a unique individual I love watching his film he was a original icon that will be miss rest in peace dolomite

Post A Comment

Caution: Off-topic comments will be deleted

Name:

Comments:



Advertisement

Advertisement