Rudy Moreno, the 'Godfather of Latino Comedy,' dies at 66 following hospitalization

Rudy Moreno, a prominent Latino comedian, has died. He was 66.

Moreno died Friday evening following a recent hospitalization, his agent Mark Scroggs and son Nathan Rueda confirmed to USA TODAY in an email Sunday.

Moreno died of complications from a stroke and sepsis, Rueda said. The comedian, who was hospitalized April 24, had also suffered a bout of pneumonia and kidney failure in the days leading up to his death. "He put up a gritty fight and did all he could," Moreno's son added.

"He was a great mentor to many comics, was a great comedy show host — which is the toughest job in comedy because you have to support and let others shine — and was very involved with local charities," Scroggs said.

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Throughout his career, Moreno lent his comedy chops to the world of television. The comedian appeared on numerous TV shows, including "Pacific Blue," "Everybody Loves Raymond," "ER," "George Lopez" and "Criminal Minds," according to Moreno's IMDb page.

Rueda reflected on the comedian's generosity as a performer and his impact on the comedy landscape.

"He was a good man that was admired by many and well respected amongst his peers," Rudea said of Moreno. "Rud(y) was the type of guy to give you a shot if he saw something in you. Many friendships and careers were developed through a connection to my pop."

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Actor-comedian Ken Jeong paid tribute to Moreno in a touching social media post Saturday, writing that "there are countless comedians who owe their start to this man."

"My heart is truly broken. Rudy Moreno, the Godfather of Latino Comedy, was the first person to book me at the Ice House," Jeong wrote on X alongside a photo of the two comedians. "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."

"And he was hilarious, the consummate comedian. I am laughing thinking of his East LA Santa bit right now," Jeong continued. "He was an incredible actor, guitarist and singer as well. Just a brilliant artist. ... Love you so much, Rudy. I know you’re making heaven laugh."

Moreno is survived by his wife Arlene, son Rueda and daughter Veronica, daughter-in-law Michelle and his two grandchildren Nigel and Noelle.