Dudley Moore: Celebrating the Maestro of English Comedy

If your upbringing was during the 1980s, you were probably shaped by Dudley Moore And with his contagious sense of humor. Widely recognized throughout that era for starring in the "Arthur" movies, the British actor had amassed a fruitful career spanning two decades prior.

Moore was born on April 19, 1935, in Essex, England, into a family of working class origins. From an early age, it became clear that he was destined for a distinct journey. Despite his short stature—due to being born with clubfoot - emerged as a young musical genius, leading him to pursue studies in piano and composition from the age of 11 through his college years.

Following his rejection of an opportunity to serve as the organist at renowned King's College, he set off for London with ambitions of making strides in the worlds of theater and music.

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Dudley Moore (1986)

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In the early 1960s, Moore achieved broad acclaim for his contributions to the innovative comedy revue. Beyond the Fringe beside other comedians such as Peter Cook (who went on to collaborate with Moore for the following twenty years), Alan Bennett, and Jonathan Miller.

Following its impact on British comedy, the series made a successful transition to Broadway, earning a prestigious Tony Award. It then shifted gears from stage productions to television, which propelled Moore into fame. His sharp humor and knack for improvisation were highlights of his acts, enchanting viewers across the ocean.

Following his demonstration of being able to compete alongside American icons such as Chevy Chase and Goldie Hawn in the popular movie Foul Play In 1979, his part in "10" catapulted the actor to global stardom. Sharing the screen with Bo Derek In his role as George Webber, a composer experiencing a mid-life crisis, Moore gave an unforgettable performance. His impeccable comic sense and endearing characterization won over viewers globally, cementing his status as a leading actor in Tinseltown.

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Dudley Moore at the Emmy Awards (1991)

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The blockbuster film Arthur came next, which earned Moore an Academy Award nomination for his starring role as the quirky millionaire. A couple of years afterward, he was recognized by the National Association of Theatre Owners as the “Male Top Box Office Star” of the year. Even with his achievements in Tinseltown, Moore stayed down-to-earth and modest, keeping his British charm and self-mocking wit intact.

Over the course of his career, Moore exhibited his adaptability as an performer, effortlessly moving between comic and serious parts. He proved his talent for drama in movies like Arthur and Micki + Maude , receiving widespread praise for his acting.

As a skilled pianist and composer, Moore also integrated his musical abilities into his comedy acts. His work alongside musicians such as Peter Cook and the Dudley Moore Trio highlighted his love for both jazz and classical music, reinforcing his status as a versatile performer.

Dudley Moore and Daryl Hannah in 'Crazy People' (1990)

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After turning down the starring role in Splash, a career-making moment for second-choice Tom Hanks, the late 1980s and early 1990s produced a series of flops for the actor's waning career.

At the dawn of the new millennium, Moore faced a pivotal moment with a difficult prognosis at the age of 64. He battled the uncommon neurological condition called progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) over an enduring span of three years until ultimately passing away in 2002. His resilience amid hardship motivated numerous individuals, showcasing his steadfast resolve and vigor. Today, his lasting impact continues to evoke both joy and respect.

Here’s a retrospective of our top ten favorite Dudley Moore movies, listed from highest to lowest preference.

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10. Just as Dad, So Is His Son (1987): Works featuring Dudley Moore in film and television

Launched amidst the peak of the body-swap movie craze in the 1980s, Like Father Like Son examines familial relationships and the difficulties posed by intergenerational differences. Dudley Moore’s comic prowess is highlighted in his role as Dr. Jack Hammond, an esteemed surgeon, who finds himself swapping bodies with his adolescent son, Chris, portrayed by Kirk Cameron .

Dr. Hammond struggles with the awkwardness of inhabiting his son's body while trying to maintain his adult responsibilities. It received mixed reviews from critics but was generally well-received by audiences for its humor and heartwarming moments.

9. Foul Play (1978)

When Dudley filmed his part, he was not widely recognized in American movies. Foul Play next to well-known actors Chevy Chase and Goldie Hown. However, Dudley stood out as the enigmatic small-statured individual named "Whitey" Jackson. Moore plays a delightful and peculiar British musician who assists divorced librarian Gloria (played by Hawn) through perilous scenarios she encounters. Throughout the film, Moore brings laughter with his clever quips and odd antics. This movie achieved acclaim from critics and audiences alike, proving successful both commercially and critically.

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8. Bedazzled (1967): Movies and television series featuring Dudley Moore

In the 1967 British comedy film, Moore stars as Stanley Moon, an introverted chef who decides to sell his soul to the devil. This malevolent entity is embodied by Peter Cook’s character, George Spiggott. Whenever Stanley expresses his desires, the devil skillfully twists these requests into situations marked by humor and irony, touching upon issues like greed, longing, and the repercussions of personal choices. Through his performance, Dudley Moore effectively conveys Stanley's naivety along with his exasperation as he encounters the challenges brought about by his own wishes.

7. Micki + Maude (1984)

In the 1984 comedy film, the story centers on Rob Salinger (portrayed by Moore), a thriving TV news anchor who inadvertently weds two ladies: Micki ( Ann Reinking ), an educator, and Maude ( Amy Irving ), a cellist.

In Rob’s convoluted predicament, numerous humorous and wild situations arise as he attempts to juggle his connections with both ladies while concealing each wedding from the other. Even though this isn’t one of his most recognized roles, it stands out for the performer due to how well it highlights their impressive comic skills.

6. Arthur 2: On the Rocks (1988): Dudley Moore films and television series

While the sequel to the first Arthur movie was somewhat of a flop compared to the first, Moore reprises his role as the lovable alcohol-dependent millionaire. The film picks up where the original left off, with Arthur and Linda ( Liza Minelli ) happily married. Nonetheless, their joy is fleeting when Arthur squanders his immense wealth because of the deceitful schemes orchestrated by his cunning father-in-law, Bert Johnson ( Stephen Elliott Arthur and Linda have difficulty adapting to their changed financial situation and encounter numerous hurdles such as securing jobs and handling matters with the Internal Revenue Service.

5. Six Weeks (1982)

In this 1982 romantic drama, Dr. Abner Perry (played by Moore), an accomplished and prominent surgeon from New York City, joins forces with Charlotte Dreyfus (portrayed by Mary Tyler Moore), a affluent and powerful lady dealing with a terminal condition. Together, they strive to make the most out of whatever time remains for her. Despite receiving varied critiques, the film highlighted how Moore could transcend his comedic roles; he garnered acclaim for his nuanced depiction of a kind-hearted physician aiding a woman through her last moments.

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4. Santa Clause: The Movie (1985): Movies and television series featuring Dudley Moore

Given his height of 5 feet 3 inches, it was fitting for Moore to take on the role of an elf in this endearing holiday tale centered around the essence of Christmas. In his depiction of Patch, Moore brings lightheartedness and charisma to the production as he faces various hurdles beyond the boundaries of the North Pole—eventually grasping what Christmas truly signifies. The humor and sincerity with which he performs enhance the film’s attractiveness, making it especially captivating for children.

3. Crazy People (1990)

In yet another quirky part, Moore portrays Emory Leeson, an advertising executive who experiences a mental collapse and finds himself committed to a psychiatric hospital. During his stay, he comes up with unconventional advertisements that surprisingly gain popularity. Moore shares the screen with Daryl Hannah (famous for Splash), a caring coworker who gets drawn into Emory's unorthodox marketing initiatives.

2. The Adventures of Milo and Otis (1986): Movies and television series featuring Dudley Moore

Moore shines in a part where he's heard and not seen in the animated flick The Adventures of Milo and Otis. Moore narrates the film, which follows the adventures of a tabby cat named Milo and a pug named Otis as they journey through the countryside, encountering various obstacles and making new friends.

1. Arthur (1981)

Moore plays Arthur Bach, a wealthy alcoholic set to inherit a vast fortune. The only caveat is he has to marry a woman he doesn't love. Instead, he falls in love with a waitress from Queens named Linda (Minelli).

Arthur was a critical and commercial success, earning Moore a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy Motion Picture. The film's blend of humor, romance, and social commentary struck a chord with audiences, making it a beloved classic of 1980s cinema.