Tim Moore (comedian) Biography: Ethnicity, Awards, Movies, Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth, Parents, Death

Tim Moore was an American actor and comedian who carved a multifaceted path through performance to become a central figure in early television history.

He first gained notoriety as a child performer in the vaudeville act Cora Miskel and Her Gold Dust Twins, which led to international tours across Europe and Great Britain.

His professional identity was solidified on Broadway, where he starred in the musical comedy revue Blackbirds of 1928.

Moore’s transition to television brought him widespread recognition when he was cast as George “Kingfish” Stevens on The Amos ‘n’ Andy Show, becoming one of the first African American performers to achieve national prominence on the medium.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Harry Roscoe Moore
• Nickname: Tim
• Date of Birth: December 9, 1887
• Age: Deceased
• Gender: Male
• Place of Birth: Rock Island, Illinois, United States
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Actor, Comedian, Vaudevillian
• Height: 174 cm
• Hair Color: Black
• Parents: Harry Moore, Cynthia Moore
• Siblings: Twelve siblings
• Spouse: Vivian Janetta Cravens
• Children: N/A
• Relationship Status: Married at the time of death
• Religion: Christianity
• Ethnicity: African American
• Net Worth: $500,000

Early Life and Education

Tim Moore was born on December 9, 1887, in Rock Island, Illinois, one of thirteen children of Harry and Cynthia Moore.

His father worked as a night watchman at a local brewery.

Moore left formal schooling at the age of 11 to take on odd jobs and pursue a career in entertainment.

He began performing as a street dancer alongside his childhood friend Romeo Washburn and soon transitioned to traveling vaudeville circuits throughout the Midwest and abroad.

Personal Life

Tim Moore’s personal life included multiple marriages. He first married Hester Moore in 1908, performing as a comedic duo until their divorce in 1915.

His second marriage to vaudeville actress Gertrude Brown ended with her death in 1934.

Moore married Benzonia Davis in 1941, remaining with her until her death in 1956, and finally wed Vivian Janetta Cravens in 1957.

He did not have biological children but gained stepchildren through his last marriage.

Moore’s personal life included a notable incident in 1958, known as the “Roast Beef Scandal,” in which he fired a warning shot during a domestic dispute, later reconciling with his wife.

Career

Tim Moore began his career in vaudeville and minstrel shows, briefly pursuing professional boxing under the name “Young Klondike.”

He returned to the stage with his musical Tim Moore’s Chicago Follies, which toured successfully in the 1920s.

His Broadway career included standout performances in the Blackbirds revues and Harlem Cavalcade.

In the late 1940s, he was recruited by CBS to star in the television adaptation of The Amos ‘n’ Andy Show, where his portrayal of George “Kingfish” Stevens became the series’ focal point.

Following the show’s cancellation in 1953, he made appearances on television talk shows and performed at nightclubs such as the Mocambo until retiring.

Net Worth

Tim Moore had an estimated net worth of $500,000.

His wealth reflected earnings from Broadway performances, national television success, work as a comedian and writer, and income from his brief boxing career and management of fights in the early 20th century.

Death

Tim Moore died on December 13, 1958, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 71 due to pulmonary tuberculosis.

His funeral was attended by thousands of fans and supported by several notable colleagues from the entertainment industry.

Controversy

Moore’s career faced occasional controversy, particularly due to the racial climate of his era.

The Amos ‘n’ Andy Show faced criticism and legal pressure from the NAACP for ethnic stereotyping, leading to its withdrawal from syndication.

Moore was also involved in a high-profile domestic incident in January 1958, resulting in his arrest for firing a pistol in his home.

The situation garnered public attention but did not overshadow his professional legacy.

Social Media

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Filmography

• His Great Chance (1923)
• The Darktown Revue (1931)
• Boy! What a Girl! (1947)
• The Amos ‘n’ Andy Show (1951)
• The Adventures of Kingfish (1955)