Dudley Moore: An Intimate Portrait

by Rena Fruchter

Rena Fruchter was Dudley's concert piano partner, and the friend who looked after him in the final years of his life until his death at the age of 66. This is her intimate portrait of the extraordinarily brilliant, complex character that was Dudley Moore. During the last ten years of his life Dudley changed. He stepped off the podium and into real life. Physically life was difficult, professionally it was turbulent, but during his final years he blossomed, and in the midst of his illness from the debilitating effects of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, he found peace. Rena writes beautifully of Dudley's final years but also takes us back through his life story - conveying his inimitable talent, humour and vibrancy; evoking the atmosphere of a working-class upbringing in 1940s Britain, life in 1950s London and his relationship with Peter Cook, and the excesses of 1980s LA. With style and precision she unravels his personality, looks back at his childhood and career, weaving a moving and compelling story of a unique man.

Genres: Biography

432 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2005

Reviews

[Mary Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely obsessed with Dudley Moore. I have always found him to be an amazing multi-talented man. I could not put this book down once I started reading it.

I had no idea his marriages were all disasters especially his final one. What in the world could he possibly have been thinking to marry that woman? His self esteem must have really, REALLY been at an all time low.

I find it fascinating that Rena and her husband welcomed him in their lives and it their home. What a glorious and beautiful friendship they must have had with him. I remember seeing the 20/20 interview and crying.

This book tells the personal story, sometimes funny sometimes painful but always honest of a cherished friendship. It also tells the story of a multi-talented star who enjoyed his life in HIS terms and in the end found true peace

[Chet Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful account of Dudley Moore's last years. The book doesn't focus much on his early life and career but the point of this book is an "intimate portrait" of a very talented actor, musician and comedian who, through fighting the horrible disease of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, was able to be at peace with himself. This account will make you cry and wish that victims of this disease will never have to ever go through it's debilitating effects.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have admired Dudley’s talent for years & years. I had no idea that the end of his life was so tortured or that his marriages were so tumultuous. A sad end for a genius performer. All new information.
Thanks, Ang! Love your picks!

[Nancy Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

Sensitively written, there are no punches pulled except those I felt in my gut. Dudley Moore was (is) a treasure unlike any other. Ms. Fruchter has put her unabashed love and admiration for him on every page. Highly recommended.

[Pam Keevil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reveals so much of his incredible musical ability and the poignant decline as his illness took hold. A great and revealing read about one of the world's funniest men.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dudley Moore always made me laugh. Arthur was my favorite movie. Any time I have had sickness or sadness I pull out movie and watch. The book was wonderful. His life story not so wonderful. He endured many hardships in life. How he could still make us laugh. And what an amazing piano player. His caregiver who wrote the book is an amazing lady.If you like Dudley will love book