In Memoriam:

Dolemite star Rudy Ray Moore received the Lord’s final kung-fu chop and passed away from complications due to diabetes on October 19. He was 81 years old.

Although already a star on the adult comedy LP circuit, Rudy struck black gold with his 1975 epic “Dolemite”, a film based on a character he created in his comedy routine.

The title character Dolemite, is a pimp, released from prison to help clean-up his crime-ridden neighborhood. Dolemite wants to pick up where he left off, but gangsta Willie Green, played by director D’urville Martin, is muscling in on his territory. The struggle becomes an ordeal, as corrupt white cops try to frame him back into the pen.

In the middle of the film, Moore performs one of his old comedy bits called “Shine and the Titanic”. This is classic Moore: almost unintelligible and wholly unfunny in a jaw-dropping way.

Based on the success of the Dolemite, Moore completed several other pictures in the 70’s including “Disco Godfather”, and “Petey Wheatstraw, the Devil’s Son-in-law”. All of Moore’s films feature cheap production, monumentally bad acting (particularly Moore’s), dialog sprinkled heavily with four-letter words, and kung-fu.

Prior to movie stardom, Moore made his mark with the adult comedy LP, wih such classics as: “This Ain’t No White Christmas”, and “Sweet Peter Jeeter”. Noted rappers such as Snoop Dogg and Big Daddy Kane cite Moore as the inspiration for their careers.

Memories of Rudy Ray Moore:
Lang Jr.:
“Dolemite played a prominent role during one of our golf trips, as the charming chant “G*ddam Willie Green!” could be heard over four fairways away. He will be missed!”

Glenn E. recollects:
“…if I hear anyone criticizing Rudy's acting, that motherf***** will receive a karate blow right between the crotch of their leisure suit.”

Jim Z. notes:
“[Moore] was an historic figure in our lives…”

Please use this blog to post any additional personal memories of this unheralded legend.