Del Moore
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Born Name:
Marion Delbridge Moore
Born Date: May 14, 1916
Born Place: Pensacola, Florida
Died Date: August 30, 1970
Died Place: Encino, California
Occupations: Actor, comedian, radio announcer
Brief Biography: Del Moore was best known as a master of the "straight man" comedy role. He is celebrated for his longtime professional collaboration with legendary comedian Jerry Lewis and his co-starring role alongside Betty White in the classic sitcom Life with Elizabeth.
Early Life and Radio Beginnings:
His entertainment career began unexpectedly in the 1930s while he was working as a theater usher in Miami. When a film's soundtrack failed, the manager pushed Moore onto the stage; his ad-libbed stories impressed the entertainer Al Jolson, who was in the audience and subsequently cast him in a touring company. After serving in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II, Moore relocated to Hollywood, establishing himself as a reliable, flat-voiced announcer who excelled as a comedic foil.
Television Success:
Moore’s reputation grew rapidly in the early days of television. He achieved widespread recognition co-starring with Betty White in the live, west-coast sitcom Life with Elizabeth (1952–1955), playing her husband, Alvin. He was also a familiar face on Los Angeles children's television, hosting weekday programs on KTTV Channel 11, and made notable appearances in classic crime dramas, including frequent guest roles in Dragnet and Adam-12.
Collaboration with Jerry Lewis:
Moore is perhaps most fondly remembered for his frequent supporting roles in the solo comedy films of his close friend Jerry Lewis. His most iconic cinematic performance was as the rigid, befuddled university president Dr. Mortimer S. Warfield in the 1963 comedy classic The Nutty Professor.
Legacy and Later Career:
Beyond his work with Lewis, Moore appeared in films like the 1967 teen cult-classic Catalina Caper and television shows such as Get Smart and The Addams Family. For his contributions to early television, Moore was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6405 Hollywood Boulevard.
Born Date: May 14, 1916
Born Place: Pensacola, Florida
Died Date: August 30, 1970
Died Place: Encino, California
Occupations: Actor, comedian, radio announcer
Brief Biography: Del Moore was best known as a master of the "straight man" comedy role. He is celebrated for his longtime professional collaboration with legendary comedian Jerry Lewis and his co-starring role alongside Betty White in the classic sitcom Life with Elizabeth.
Early Life and Radio Beginnings:
His entertainment career began unexpectedly in the 1930s while he was working as a theater usher in Miami. When a film's soundtrack failed, the manager pushed Moore onto the stage; his ad-libbed stories impressed the entertainer Al Jolson, who was in the audience and subsequently cast him in a touring company. After serving in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II, Moore relocated to Hollywood, establishing himself as a reliable, flat-voiced announcer who excelled as a comedic foil.
Television Success:
Moore’s reputation grew rapidly in the early days of television. He achieved widespread recognition co-starring with Betty White in the live, west-coast sitcom Life with Elizabeth (1952–1955), playing her husband, Alvin. He was also a familiar face on Los Angeles children's television, hosting weekday programs on KTTV Channel 11, and made notable appearances in classic crime dramas, including frequent guest roles in Dragnet and Adam-12.
Collaboration with Jerry Lewis:
Moore is perhaps most fondly remembered for his frequent supporting roles in the solo comedy films of his close friend Jerry Lewis. His most iconic cinematic performance was as the rigid, befuddled university president Dr. Mortimer S. Warfield in the 1963 comedy classic The Nutty Professor.
Legacy and Later Career:
Beyond his work with Lewis, Moore appeared in films like the 1967 teen cult-classic Catalina Caper and television shows such as Get Smart and The Addams Family. For his contributions to early television, Moore was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6405 Hollywood Boulevard.