Obituary, Death Rudy Moreno, Veteran Comedian and Actor, Dies at 66
Rudy Moreno, a veteran of the Los Angeles comedy scene and a familiar face on television, has passed away at the age of 66. He was a well-known figure in the Los Angeles comedy scene and a familiar face on television. His agent confirmed he died in a hospital ICU. Although the exact cause of death was not disclosed, he had been battling pneumonia and undergoing dialysis.
Moreno’s Career
Moreno appeared in several TV shows including Arrested Development, Monk, The Shield, Judging Amy, and The Kingpin. He also made appearances on the talk show Lopez Tonight. He recorded his comedy album No Looking Back. He would go on to be named the 1998-99 Latino Comedian of the Year.
Tributes to Moreno
Tributes from his celebrity friends poured in online, with actor Ken Jeong writing, “My heart is truly broken. Rudy Moreno, the Godfather of Latino Comedy, was the first person to book me at the Ice House.” He continued, “In fact, the first time my wife ever saw me do standup was at the Ice House on Rudy’s show. All this ultimately led to me doing my Netflix special at the Ice House, thanks to Rudy Moreno constantly supporting me and letting me get stage time on all of his shows.”
Moreno’s Legacy
There are countless comedians who owe their start to this man. And he was hilarious, the consummate comedian. I am laughing thinking of his East LA Santa bit right now. And he was an incredible actor, guitarist, and singer as well. Just a brilliant artist. I am getting emotional as I type this, and I am sending all my love to his wife Arlene, his son Nathan, and the rest of his beautiful family. Love you so much, Rudy. I know you’re making heaven laugh.
Other Tributes
Comedian Dante shared, “I am devastated. I am gutted today. One of my favorite people in this world has passed away. The Godfather of comedy is gone. He was not only a great comedian, he was an even better friend. I will honor your name forever! I love you Rudy.” Funnyman Jimmy Shaw said, “Thank you for the advice, stage time, and laughs my friend. A friend to all comics.”
Moreno’s Early Life and Career
Born and raised in Los Angeles’ Lincoln Heights, Moreno started his career in show business at age 13, when he formed his first garage band. He then went on after high school to be a radio disc jockey, also working as a DJ in many Southern California nightclubs. Following years spent as a mobile DJ, he tried his hand at stand-up comedy by opening for the rock group Tierra.
The Beginning of His Career
This marked the beginning of his career opening for various artists, a list that expanded to include Ice Cube, Natalie Cole, Los Lobos, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the iconic Smokey Robinson, among others. Moreno would go on to be named the 1998-99 Latino Comedian of the Year. He recorded his comedy album No Looking Back.
Conclusion
Rudy Moreno was a beloved figure in the Los Angeles comedy scene and a familiar face on television. He will be remembered for his many appearances on TV shows and his stand-up comedy routines. His legacy will live on through the countless comedians he inspired and the laughter he brought to so many.
