Tim Moore (comedian) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tim Moore
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Tim Moore as "Kingfish" on CBS TV's
The Amos 'n' Andy Show |
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| Born |
Harry Roscoe Moore
December 9, 1887 Rock Island, Illinois, US
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| Died | December 13, 1958 (aged 71) Los Angeles, California, US
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| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1898–1958 |
| Spouse(s) | Hester Moore (1908–marriage dissolved 1915) Gertrude Brown Moore (1915–1934) [her death] Benzonia Davis Moore (1941–1956) [her death] Vivian Cravens Moore (1957–1958) [his death] |
Tim Moore (born December 9, 1887 – died December 13, 1958) was an American actor and comedian. He was famous for his role as George "Kingfish" Stevens. This was in the TV show The Amos 'n' Andy Show on CBS. He once said he would never tell a joke on stage that his mother wouldn't approve of.
Contents
Tim Moore's Amazing Life Story
How Did Tim Moore Start?
Tim Moore was born Harry Roscoe Moore in Rock Island, Illinois. He was one of 13 children. His dad worked as a night watchman. Tim left school early to do odd jobs. He even danced on the streets for money with his friend, Romeo Washburn.
In 1898, Tim and Romeo joined a vaudeville act. It was called "Cora Miskel and Her Gold Dust Twins." They traveled all over the United States and even to Great Britain. As they got older, the act changed. Miss Miskel sent them home.
Soon after, Tim joined a "medicine show." This was a traveling show that sold fake remedies. He sang and danced with four Kickapoo Indians. He also worked in a carnival sideshow. He even gave tours in Hawaii as a "native" guide.
From Boxer to Stage Star
Tim left the medicine show to work with horses. He became a jockey. He also tried professional boxing in 1905. He was known as "Young Klondike" and earned good money.
In 1908, he returned to performing. He joined a group called "The Rabbit's Foot Company." By 1909, he was back in vaudeville. He met and married his first wife, Hester. They performed together as "The Moores – Tim & Hester." They toured in the US and other countries.
They were part of a minstrel show called "Georgia Sunflowers." Hester was praised for her singing. Tim was praised for his comedy. They even toured China, Japan, Australia, and Hawaii. Tim also boxed again as "Young Klondike." He fought in New Zealand, Australia, and the US. He even fought famous boxers like Jack Johnson.
Tim Moore was known for his one-man show of Uncle Tom's Cabin. He played both good and bad characters. He used white chalk on half his face and burnt cork on the other. He even performed this act in the street to help sell War Stamps in 1918.
Broadway Success and Comedy Writing
After earning a lot of money from boxing, Tim and his wife returned to vaudeville in 1921. He created his own group, the Chicago Follies. They were very popular in the 1920s. In 1923, Tim and his wife starred in a silent comedy film called His Great Chance.
In 1925, Tim Moore made his first appearance on Broadway. This was in a show called Lucky Sambo. It didn't last long. But he found success in other shows like Rarin' to Go. He also produced and starred in weekly shows in Harlem.
Tim wrote all his own comedy material. He also wrote for other performers. The famous comedian W.C. Fields bought one of his skits. Tim also wrote for the radio show of the Two Black Crows.
In 1928, Tim returned to Broadway. He became a huge star in the musical Blackbirds of 1928. He performed with famous singers and dancers. This show was a hit in Paris, London, and across the US.
Tim also appeared in one of the first talking pictures, The Darktown Revue, in 1931. He continued to star in the Blackbirds shows throughout the 1930s. His last Broadway show was Harlem Cavalcade in 1942. A famous actor, Al Jolson, said Tim Moore was one of the best comedians he had ever seen.
In the late 1930s and early 1940s, Tim was a top comedian at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. He also acted in radio dramas.
Becoming a TV Star
In 1946, Tim starred in the movie Boy! What a Girl!. He also appeared on Ed Sullivan's TV show, Toast of the Town. After this, he retired from show business. His second wife, Gertrude, had passed away. He married his third wife, Benzonia, in 1941. They lived in Rock Island, where he worked at a rubber company.
In 1948, the CBS TV network was looking for an actor for a new show. It was based on the popular radio show Amos 'n' Andy. They wanted Tim Moore for the role of George "Kingfish" Stevens. This character was known for his clever but sometimes tricky plans.
Tim did some auditions and was chosen for the role. In the TV show, Tim played Kingfish with a loud, funny voice. He became the main focus of many episodes.
Tim Moore became a national celebrity. He was the first African American to become a major TV star. The show aired from 1951 to 1953. It was very popular. However, it was eventually stopped due to complaints about stereotypes.
Even after the show ended, Tim and other cast members tried to perform as their characters. CBS stopped them because they owned the rights. But they did perform once in Canada.
Later Years and Legacy
Tim Moore married his last wife, Vivian, in 1957. In 1958, he had a misunderstanding at home. He fired a shot into a cabinet during an argument with his stepchildren. He was arrested but later released.
This event, called the "Roast Beef Scandal" by the media, brought him a lot of attention. He appeared on TV shows and at famous nightclubs.
Tim Moore passed away on December 13, 1958, at age 71. He had tuberculosis. He didn't have much money for his hospital care or funeral. But famous friends like Frank Sinatra helped pay for his funeral.
Thousands of fans and stars attended his funeral. His grave was unmarked for many years. But in 1983, comedians Redd Foxx and George Kirby raised money for a headstone.
In 2008, his hometown library in Rock Island held "Tim Moore Day." His family shared memories of his life. Even though he was a pioneering TV star, Tim Moore does not have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Images for kids
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Tim Moore as "Kingfish" on CBS TV's The Amos 'n' Andy Show
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Early photo of Tim Moore.
See also
In Spanish: Tim Moore (actor) para niños
