Current:Home > MyRudy Moreno, the 'Godfather of Latino Comedy,' dies at 66 following hospitalization -Prosperity Pathways
Rudy Moreno, the 'Godfather of Latino Comedy,' dies at 66 following hospitalization
View
Date:2025-04-27 20:36:26
Rudy Moreno, a prominent Latino comedian, has died. He was 66.
Moreno died Friday evening following a recent hospitalization, his agent Mark Scroggs and son Nathan Rueda confirmed to USA TODAY in an email Sunday.
Moreno died of complications from a stroke and sepsis, Rueda said. The comedian, who was hospitalized April 24, had also suffered a bout of pneumonia and kidney failure in the days leading up to his death. "He put up a gritty fight and did all he could," Moreno's son added.
"He was a great mentor to many comics, was a great comedy show host — which is the toughest job in comedy because you have to support and let others shine — and was very involved with local charities," Scroggs said.
Roger Corman dies:Legendary director and producer of B-movies was 98
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Throughout his career, Moreno lent his comedy chops to the world of television. The comedian appeared on numerous TV shows, including "Pacific Blue," "Everybody Loves Raymond," "ER," "George Lopez" and "Criminal Minds," according to Moreno's IMDb page.
Rueda reflected on the comedian's generosity as a performer and his impact on the comedy landscape.
"He was a good man that was admired by many and well respected amongst his peers," Rudea said of Moreno. "Rud(y) was the type of guy to give you a shot if he saw something in you. Many friendships and careers were developed through a connection to my pop."
'Unthinkable':Sam Rubin, longtime KTLA news anchor who interviewed the stars, dies at 64
Actor-comedian Ken Jeong paid tribute to Moreno in a touching social media post Saturday, writing that "there are countless comedians who owe their start to this man."
"My heart is truly broken. Rudy Moreno, the Godfather of Latino Comedy, was the first person to book me at the Ice House," Jeong wrote on X alongside a photo of the two comedians. "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."
"And he was hilarious, the consummate comedian. I am laughing thinking of his East LA Santa bit right now," Jeong continued. "He was an incredible actor, guitarist and singer as well. Just a brilliant artist. ... Love you so much, Rudy. I know you’re making heaven laugh."
Moreno is survived by his wife Arlene, son Rueda and daughter Veronica, daughter-in-law Michelle and his two grandchildren Nigel and Noelle.
veryGood! (58)
Related
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- College athletes are getting paid and fans are starting to see a growing share of the bill
- Vikings vs. Colts highlights: Sam Darnold throws 3 TDs in Sunday Night Football win
- Mike Tyson says he lost 26 pounds after ulcer, provides gory details of medical emergency
- What to watch: O Jolie night
- Mariah Carey Posing With Her Christmas-Themed Wax Figure Will Make Your Wish Come True
- The final day of voting in the US is here, after tens of millions have already cast their ballots
- Abortion rights at forefront of Women’s March rallies in runup to Election Day
- Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
- New York Philharmonic fires two players after accusations of sexual misconduct and abuse of power
Ranking
- Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
- Taylor Swift plays goodbye mashups during last US Eras Tour concert
- Former Denver elections worker’s lawsuit says she was fired for speaking out about threats
- DWTS' Gleb Savchenko Admits to Ending Brooks Nader Romance Over Text
- FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
- Spurs coach Gregg Popovich sidelined indefinitely with undisclosed illness
- Wisconsin Senate race pits Trump-backed millionaire against Democratic incumbent
- DWTS' Gleb Savchenko Admits to Ending Brooks Nader Romance Over Text
Recommendation
Israel lets Palestinians go back to northern Gaza for first time in over a year as cease
Jenn Tran’s Brother Weighs in on Her Relationship with DWTS Partner Sasha Farber
Baron Browning trade grades: Who won deal between Cardinals, Broncos?
The winner of a North Carolina toss-up race could help decide who controls the US House
Federal Spending Freeze Could Have Widespread Impact on Environment, Emergency Management
Music titan Quincy Jones, legendary producer of Michael Jackson's 'Thriller,' dies at 91
32 things we learned in NFL Week 9: Any teams making leap at trade deadline?
Old Navy’s Early Black Friday Sale -- Puffers, Sweaters & More Up to 77% off & Deals Starting at $3