Godspeed Rudy Moreno, the Godfather of Latino Comedy

Rudy Moreno, the comedian and actor known as "the Godfather of Latino Comedy," died on May 11 2024 at the age of 66. The cause was complications from a stroke and sepsis.

Rudy Moreno was born on July 24 1957 in Lincoln Heights in Los Angeles. He entered show business when he was only 13 when he formed his first garage band. After graduating from high school he became a disc jockey and radio and also worked as a disc jockey at various Southern California nightclubs. He had worked for years as a DJ when Rudy Salas of the rock band Tierra asked him if he had ever considered doing stand-up comedy. Rudy Moreno then began opening for Tierra at their performances. His act proved to be so successful that he would go onto open for other artists, including Natalie Cole, Lynyrd Skynrd, Los Lobos, Smokey Robinson, The Tempations, and others.

During his career Rudy Moreno played at clubs throughout the United States. He had what may be the longest running show in Los Angeles County, playing for years at the Ice House Comedy  Club in Pasadena. He also opened the door for many young comics. Among them was Ken Jeong, perhaps best known as Ben Chang on the sitcom Community. He noted in his tweet paying tribute to Rudy Moreno that Mr. Moreno was the fist person to book him at the Ice House.

Rudy Moreno was a year into his career when television producer Jeff Valdez booked him for the TV show Comedy Compadres, which featured Latino comedians. It would be the first of many television appearances for Rudy Moreno. He appeared on such stand-up comedy shows as Comics Unleashed, Laugh Out Loud Comedy Festival, Gabriel Iglesias Presents Stand-Up Revolution, and StaannDUP!. He went on to make guest appearances on the TV shows Cybill, Pacific Blue, L.A. Doctors, Everybody Loves Raymond, ER, Luis, Judging Amy, The Shield, George Lopez, Monk, Criminal Minds, Arrested Development, American Vandal, Mom, and Dave. He appeared in the TV mini-series Kingpin. He also appeared in the movie Father Stu (2022).

Rudy Moreno and his family founded Komics for Kids, an event that assists inner city children. He also raised funds for a number of other charities. Mr. Moreno was also a talented guitarist.

Rudy Moreno was a brilliant comedian. When it came to Latino humour he was definitely a master, although his jokes were such that people of any ethnicity could appreciate them. He could certainly command an audience like no one else. He always came to the stage with wit and charm.

Beyond being a very talented comedian, Rudy Moreno was simply a very nice man. He promoted the careers of countless young comics and other artists. My dearest Vanessa Marquez knew Rudy Moreno and described him as "the sweetest man." In 2010 he even arranged a meeting for Vanessa with his agent to see if they would represent her. Throughout his life Rudy Moreno helped so many. He wasn't just a great comic. He was a true gentleman.