Moore was honored today by comedians Katt Williams and Luenell, as well as singer Freda Payne, who all told the audience in person and online about their friendships and relationships with Moore. You can see their speeches below, and you can bet Katt and Luenell (who was filling in for actress Sheryl Lee Ralph) brought the comedy without the profanity. All we'll say is keep an eye on Melba's reactions throughout the salutes.
Moore previously told the ABC daytime news program "GMA3: What You Need to Know" that she was "stunned" when she learned she would receive a star.
"There are so many incredible artists, people who deserve that award — not that I don't," Moore remarked, "but you don't always get what you deserve."
Moore stated that a contributor, the identity of whom she would not reveal, gave $55,000 toward the $75,000 sponsorship fee necessary upon selection. She also received further donations. The money is used to cover the costs of creating and installing the star, as well as the upkeep of the Walk of Fame.
Moore, the daughter of big band leader Teddy Hill and singer Bonnie Davis, who had a No. 1 R&B hit with the song "Don't Stop Now," was born on October 29, 1945, in New York City. Moore made her Broadway debut in 1968 as part of the opening night cast of the groundbreaking musical "Hair," initially playing Dionne, then Sheila, a role Diane Keaton also played during its initial Broadway run.
Moore won a Tony Award for best-featured actress in a musical in 1970 for her portrayal of Lutiebelle Gussie Mae Jenkins, a naive, innocent, and good-hearted young woman who had been a servant in a white household and tries to assist preacher Purlie Victorious Judson (Cleavon Little) in acquiring an old barn that was once used as a church.
Moore's other Broadway credits include "Timbuktu!" a musical fable based on "Kismet" that ran for six months in 1978, the comedy "Inacent Black," which closed after 14 previews and 14 performances in 1981, and a nearly three-month run as Fantine in "Les Misérables" in 1996, making her the first Black woman to play the role.