Moore Says He's Not at Death's Door
December 6 -- Diminutive British comic Dudley Moore says that reports of his imminent death have been greatly exaggerated.
"Imagine my surprise to be informed this morning by the BBC's Web site and other press that I have only weeks to live," said the 65-year-old comedian in a statement issued Tuesday.
"I should, I imagine, let my doctor know this, as when I saw him last week, he thought things were much better," Moore said in the statement.
The star of Arthur and 10 is suffering from a degenerative brain disorder known as Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, an incurable Parkinson's-related disease whose symptoms include falling and imbalance. Moore was quoted earlier this week by the BBC as saying that he faced a "short and uncertain future."
Moore said his remarks were made off the record to a member of the BBC. A BBC spokesman told London's Daily Mail, "Dudley Moore knows that he is a dying man" and referred to the television interview as the actor's last.
Responded Moore, "I suppose my imminent death will sell papers, while my positive and life-affirming work [which includes raising money for research] is of no interest to anyone. I am hurt and discouraged by your cruelty."
Moore underwent open-heart surgery in 1999 and has suffered four strokes. Doctors announced news of his condition in September.
Reuters contributed to this story.
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