‘Godfather of Latino Comedy’ Rudy Moreno dies

Los Angeles comedian Rudy Moreno, who appeared in shows like “Arrested Development,” “Monk,” “The Shield” and was also on “Lopez Tonight,” has died at age 66. He also produced shows featuring local and nationally-recognized stand-up comedians at venues across Southern California.

Moreno was born and raised in Lincoln Heights. According to the Laugh Factory, he started his career in entertainment at 13, when he formed a band, then became a DJ. He later moved on to stand up, performing as the opener for Ice Cube, Natalie Cole, Los Lobos and Smokey Robinson.

The Los Angeles Times reported Moreno died Friday at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena from complications due to a stroke and sepsis.

He was named Latino Comedian of the Year in 1998. He has the longest running show in Southern California at the Ice House in Pasadena, according to Improv. Many stand-up comics credit him for giving them a start in their careers. He and his wife Arlene organized the annual Komics for Kids gift drive during the holidays for many years. 

Ken Jeong posted on X “My heart is truly broken. Rudy Moreno, the Godfather of Latino Comedy, was the first person to book me at the Ice House. 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. There are countless comedians who owe their start to this man. And he was hilarious, the consummate comedian. I am laughing thinking of his East LA Santa bit right now. And he was an incredible actor, guitarist and singer as well. Just a brilliant artist. I am getting emotional as I type this, and I am sending all my love to his wife Arlene, his son Nathan, and the rest of his beautiful family.  Love you so much, Rudy. I know you’re making heaven laugh.”