Rudy Ray Moore, better known as Dolemite, passed away today at 81. Rudy had done it all: stand up comedian, actor, movie director, and master of pimp-fu. He will be missed.With all of the posturing in the indie movie world of today, Moore did it before it was cool, when low-budget films were an economic necessity, not simply a style co-opted by studio boutique divisions. Moore made films on his own terms outside Hollywood for thirty years, always adhering to the credo, "Thank you for letting us be ourselves."
I met the man earlier this year. He was in poor health, confined to a wheelchair with a broken hip. He appeared confused, his quick wit dulled with age and infirmity. Often, he was unable to finish his famous routines without prompting. There was an air of sadness about the proceedings; a gaggle of white hipsters gathered in an arthouse lobby half-gawking at an old man. This was the man who had a top-25 selling comedy album, starred in movies, and was acknowledged by no less than Snoop Dogg as a major influence.
But on a one-on-one level, I found him personable and pleasant. Moore told us of his time in the Army, where he first plied his trade as a stand up comedian while stationed in Germany. He even conversed in German with a lady in the crowd. My heart goes out to the man; even at 80, he was still on the road, living life.
It touches even this jive-talking, rat soup eatin', honkey motherfucker.
