Steve Moore (comedian)
| Steve Moore | |
|---|---|
| Born |
June 15, 1954 Danville, Virginia |
| Died | May 24, 2014 (aged 59) |
| Nationality | American |
| Years active | 1980s-2000s |
| Spouse | Lois Bromfield (1980-1995) |
| Notable works and roles | Drop Dead Gorgeous (A Tragi-Comedy): The Power of HIV-Positive Thinking |
Steve Moore (June 15, 1954 – May 24, 2014)[1] was an American stand-up comedian. He was best known for his 1997 HBO comedy special Drop Dead Gorgeous (A Tragi-Comedy): The Power of HIV-Positive Thinking, about his experiences living with HIV/AIDS.[2]
Biography
Born and raised in Danville, Virginia,[1] he attended Virginia Commonwealth University.[3]
Although gay, he was in a lavender marriage to Canadian comedian Lois Bromfield from 1980 to 1995.[4] Moore frequently performed as the warm-up comedian for tapings of Roseanne, on which Bromfield was a writer;[4] he also appeared in Roseanne Barr's 1992 comedy special Roseanne Arnold: Live From Trump Castle,[3] and was a warm-up comedian for Margaret Cho's sitcom All American Girl.[5]
Diagnosed HIV-positive in 1989,[6] he came out about both his sexuality and his HIV status in the mid-1990s,[4] developing a one-man comedy show about life with HIV which became Drop Dead Gorgeous.[6] Bromfield came out as lesbian around the same time.[7]
He also performed at the inaugural We're Funny That Way! comedy festival in 1997, and appeared in the festival's documentary film in 1998,[8] and had supporting roles in the film Love Kills and the sitcom Ellen.[3] Despite the increased profile and strong critical reviews he gained from the HBO special, however, a subsequent national comedy tour was not as successful; just nine people attended the tour's opening show in San Francisco, and several other shows had to be cancelled due to poor ticket sales.[3]
Moore continued to support himself with smaller-scale comedy touring, including performing at HIV/AIDS and LGBT conferences and events,[9] and as a speaker on AIDS and HIV issues.
He died on May 24, 2014.[1]
References
- 1 2 3 "Local Comic Steve Moore Dies at 59". GayRVA, May 28, 2014.
- ↑ "AIDS Survivor Steve Moore: Tears of a Clown". PRX, May 27, 2013.
- 1 2 3 4 "Drop Dead Funny: With his HBO special and live performances, comedian Steve Moore teaches audiences that living with HIV doesn't necessarily mean dying.". Style Weekly.
- 1 2 3 "In profile: Steve Moore". The Advocate, June 24, 1997.
- ↑ Ed Karvoski, A Funny Time to Be Gay. Simon & Schuster, 2011. ISBN 0684818965. p. 120.
- 1 2 "Moore Celebrates The Power Of Positive Thinking". Chicago Tribune, June 13, 1997.
- ↑ "Lois Bromfield's Empty Closet". The Advocate, March 22, 1994. pp. 54-56.
- ↑ "Laughing out loud: Gay and lesbian comics go the extra comedic mile on TV special". The Gazette, February 9, 1999.
- ↑ "HIV-positively funny". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, November 13, 1998.