Role

:

Composer Conductor Performer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

April 19, 1935 in Dagenham, Essex, England

Death

:

March 27, 2002 in Plainfield, NJ

Genre

:

Film

 

Dudley Moore was a British actor, comedian, and musician who was born on April 19, 1935, in Dagenham, Essex, England. He was the son of Ada Francis and John Moore, who was a railway electrician. Dudley grew up in a working-class family and attended the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied piano and composition. Moore began his career as a jazz pianist in the 1950s, playing in various clubs and bars in London. He formed a jazz trio with bassist Pete McGurk and drummer Chris Karan, and they became known for their unique blend of jazz and comedy. Moore's comedic talent was evident in his performances, and he soon began incorporating humor into his music. In the 1960s, Moore began to gain recognition as an actor, appearing in several British television shows and films. He became a household name in the UK with his role in the satirical comedy series "Not Only... But Also," which he co-created with Peter Cook. The show was a huge success and ran for three seasons, from 1965 to 1970. Moore's success as an actor did not diminish his passion for music, and he continued to perform and record throughout his career. In 1971, he released his first solo album, "Dudley Moore Trio," which featured his jazz trio playing a mix of original compositions and jazz standards. The album was well-received and helped to establish Moore as a serious musician. Moore's musical career reached new heights in 1978 when he composed the score for the film "Foul Play," starring Goldie Hawn and Chevy Chase. The score was a critical and commercial success, earning Moore an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score. He went on to compose the scores for several other films, including "10," "Arthur," and "Micki + Maude." Moore's performance in the 1981 film "Arthur" earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy. The film was a box office success and spawned a sequel, "Arthur 2: On the Rocks," in 1988. Moore's portrayal of the lovable, drunken millionaire Arthur Bach became one of his most iconic roles. Despite his success as an actor and composer, Moore never lost his love for jazz music. He continued to perform and record with his jazz trio throughout the 1980s and 1990s, releasing several albums and performing in concerts around the world. In 1991, he was awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to entertainment. Moore's health began to decline in the late 1990s, and he was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare neurological disorder. The disease affected his ability to play the piano and eventually forced him to retire from performing. Moore passed away on March 27, 2002, at the age of 66. Dudley Moore's legacy as a musician, actor, and comedian is a testament to his talent and versatility. He was a gifted pianist and composer who brought humor and wit to his music, and his contributions to the world of film and television are still celebrated today. Despite his untimely death, his music and performances continue to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.

More....