Rudy Ray Moore

Rudy Ray Moore was an American entertainer, actor, director, and musician. Born on March 17th, 1927 in Fort Smith, Arkansas, he gained fame for his iconic Dolemite character and his contributions to the Blaxploitation era of movies. He worked as John Dolphin's assistant and managed the renowned Dolphins Of Hollywood store in Los Angeles during the late 1950s.

Throughout his career, Rudy Ray Moore collaborated with various artists such as *Melvin Van Peebles*, *Johnny Pate*, *Gene Page*, *Willie Hutch*, and *Blowfly*. His unique style drew inspiration from comedy legends like *Redd Foxx* and *Richard Pryor*, as well as musicians like *Mandrill*, *Isaac Hayes*, and the *Ohio Players*.

With a rich filmography that includes memorable works like "Dolemite" and "The Human Tornado," Rudy Ray Moore left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and African-American culture. Despite passing away on October 19th, 2008 in Akron, Ohio, his influence continues to resonate through artists such as *LaWanda Page*, *Lafayette Afro Rock Band*, *The Last Poets*, and many others.