Comedian and actor Dudley Moore, whose legacy loomed large even in his absence, bequeathed not just an indelible mark on the entertainment world but also an astonishing fortune. The esteemed Golden Globe honoree surprisedly left a whopping windfall to his estranged sons, Patrick and Nicholas, whom he hadn't laid eyes on for years prior to his demise.
The Hollywood icon's estimated £5 million fortune, the bulk of which was destined for his offspring, caused quite a stir among his kin. At the time of his passing, it was revealed that he hadn't seen his grown children in three long years.
Interestingly, Nicholas's mother and Dudley's fourth wife, Nicole Rothschild, was also reportedly granted a modest fortune in his will, despite being excluded from his funeral rites. This came as a shock to the celebrity's family, who had whispered tales of Dudley squandering much of his wealth on cocaine and prostitutes during his Hollywood heyday.
Moreover, the actor had to shell out a considerable sum for medical treatments as he battled progressive supranuclear palsy, a degenerative brain disorder that ultimately claimed his life at the age of 66.
In November 1999, Moore made a poignant public reappearance after disclosing his illness, reading poetry alongside Julie Andrews at a charity concert in Philadelphia for Music for All Seasons. Initially grappling with his symptoms, he soon found his footing, cracking jokes and improvising effortlessly. His heartfelt performance garnered a standing ovation, marking his final curtain call.
Throughout the concert, Moore poignantly pointed out his symptoms, including blurred vision, impaired mobility, and slurred speech. His illness swiftly progressed, confining him to a wheelchair, and ultimately led to pneumonia, which claimed his life in March 2002.
Moore's journey began with Beyond the Fringe, a groundbreaking satirical revue that took London by storm for two years before making its way to Broadway. Here, he formed a dynamic duo with comedian Peter Cook, and collaborated with Alan Bennett, who later became a renowned playwright, and Jonathan Miller, now an opera producer and medical doctor. His successful transition to Hollywood with films like 10 and Arthur further cemented his status as a Hollywood legend.
