Author:Rena Fruchter
Rena Fruchter was Dudley's concert piano partner, and the friend who looked after him in the final years of his life until his death at the age of 66. This is her intimate portrait of the extraordinarily brilliant, complex character that was Dudley Moore.
During the last ten years of his life Dudley changed. He stepped off the podium and into real life. Physically life was difficult, professionally it was turbulent, but during his final years he blossomed, and in the midst of his illness from the debilitating effects of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, he found peace.
Rena writes beautifully of Dudley's final years but also takes us back through his life story - conveying his inimitable talent, humour and vibrancy; evoking the atmosphere of a working-class upbringing in 1940s Britain, life in 1950s London and his relationship with Peter Cook, and the excesses of 1980s LA. With style and precision she unravels his personality, looks back at his childhood and career, weaving a moving and compelling story of a unique man.
A wonderful memoir ... shot through with raw pain, blasted hopes and self-recrminination ... and yes, there are moments of laugh-out-loud humour
—— Scotland on SundayThe woman who shared his final days reveals the tragic truth about Dudley Moore
—— Daily MailAn essential read for anyone who had fallen beneath the charm of Moore ... a unique glimpse into the torments and pleasure of a man whose talents would slowly be taken away by the hand of illness.
—— Manchester Eveing NewsRena and her family supported and cared for Dudley until his death ... a moving account of the friendship
—— Choice MagazineRevealing biography of a multi-talented funnyman by a close friend who helped him in his final years
—— UncutAn honest and moving account
—— Glasgow HeraldWhat happened to Moore is all here in harrowing detail
—— Mail on SundayThere are moments of laugh-out-loud humour
—— Scotland on SundayRena Fruchter reveals the untold story in a loving but unflinching portrait
—— Evening HeraldThe generosity of the family, especially Rena's long-suffering husband Brian, is deeply moving
—— Sunday ExpressAn unabashed eulogy to a man she was evidently devoted to
—— TelegraphClearly Fruchter had a huge affection for Moore but she knew his shortcomings
—— Scottish Sunday HeraldAn intelligent, honest and moving portrait
—— Songs of Praise MagazineThe answers are all here, neatly scattered through this mercifully mid-sized biog. Rena Fruchter, herself blessed with comedic skills, delivers you the Dud she knew
—— Manchester Evening NewsAn honest and moving account of his later years
—— Glasgow Herald