Marc Rudolph Once Feared He Also Had Cancer like His Mother Minnie Riperton

Publish date: 2024-05-20

Marc Rudolph, Minnie Riperton, Richard Rudolph, and Maya Rudolph | Marc Rudolph | Source: Getty Images | Youtube.com/@kingstreasures1375

Marc Rudolph may be doing well for himself now, but without a doubt, his mother's death affected him. Shortly after her death, he became scared that he might also have cancer, the disease that killed his mother.

Marc Rudolph was born in February 1968 to Richard Rudolph, a songwriter, musician, music publisher, producer, and singer-songwriter Minnie Riperton.

His parents were not married when he was born, but they had tied the knot by the time he was two. They welcomed his sister, Maya Rudolph, four years after his birth, on July 27, 1972.

Maya Rudolph, Richard Rudolph, Minnie Riperton, and Marc Rudolph at the Hollywood Christmas Parade in December 1978 in Los Angeles | Source: Getty Images

Marc had a rough time while still young, as his mother died of breast cancer at 31 after battling the disease for about three years. When she died in 1979, he was only 11 years old.

After her death, his father devoted himself to finding a cure for cancer. Richard had co-written many songs with his wife and was affected by her death. However, he had to stay strong for their children.

Portrait of Minnie Riperton in August 1975 in Los Angeles | Source: Getty Images

Marc Rudolph Was a Well-Rounded Child

Marc was an active, sensitive, soft-spoken child who played various sports and two instruments and had a father who cared about his education.

Although his parents were an interracial couple, he and his sister did not grow up among black people as they lived in an affluent white neighborhood.

He played Little League baseball, and his mother was his biggest fan. She would attend his games and cheer him on, but when he was 11, she died.

Portrait of Minnie Riperton circa 1977 in Los Angeles | Source: Getty Images

Shortly after she died, Marc found a lump on his body and had to ask his father if it was cancerous like his mother's. His father immediately took him to the hospital to have it checked.

At the hospital, the doctor assured him that it was not cancerous. It was fatty tissue, and he had minor surgery to remove it. After the surgery, he had only two stitches which the doctor removed a few days later.

Minnie Riperton performing on stage circa 1977 in New York | Source: Getty Images

Marc Can Play an Astonishing Number of Instruments

Marc, who looks just like his late mom, kept a low profile and stayed out of the spotlight. However, when he got older, he unsurprisingly pursued a career in music.

He grew up very talented and can play over 25 different musical instruments. In August 2014, he shared one of his music videos titled "Carnival" on his YouTube channel.

It was a hilarious video that showed Marc having fun at the carnival with his female friend as they explored the fun rides and everything the carnival had to offer. In the video's description, he revealed that he would appear in a movie and where he would show the video.

Marc leads a very private life. Besides the carnival video, one of his public appearances was at the 20th Annual Minnie Riperton 5K/10K Run/Walk.

Portrait of Minnie Riperton on October 20, 1977, in Los Angeles | Source: Getty Images

Marc's Parents Had a Very Strong Love

Marc's parents loved each other, and his mother, Minnie Riperton, died in his father's arms. After her death, his father worked hard to find a cure for cancer.

In an interview in 1979, his father said Minnie was everything to him. He had described her as his mate, woman, and life partner. He also said their love for each other was more significant than anything happening in their lives.

After their mother's death, Marc and his sister Maya presented an architectural drawing of a proposed educational building in honor of their mother.

Photo of Minnie Riperton circa 1975 in Los Angeles | Source: Getty Images

One of Minnie Riperton's Most Famous Songs Is Dedicated to Her Children

Before Marc's mother died, she was already an accomplished musician and was famous for her vocal and musical abilities. Even though she was a homemaker, she still created music dedicated to her children.

In 1974, she recorded her famous "Lovin' You" song as part of her second studio album, "Perfect Angel." The piece was created as a lullaby for Marc and his sister.

However, they did not know their mother did the song for them. They only knew it was for them once his sister was an adult before she heard the story behind its creation.

Photo of Minnie Riperton circa 1970 | Source: Getty Images

Marc's Sister Had Her Own Reaction to Their Mother's Death

Marc's sister became an actress, comedian, and singer. She was part of "The Rentals," an alternative rock band, was in an improv troupe and has made her mark in several hit movies.

However, she does not remember properly grieving their mother. In an interview with the New York Times, she recalled the pain of losing her mother at a young age, and for years, she could not discuss the event. She, however, recalled grieving in different ways, like kicking people at her new school.

She revealed that people would approach or stare at her because of her mother, and she never liked it. Maya said:

"It was weird to grow up that way, thinking, I'm the kid whose mom died, and everybody knows it — or at least you feel like everybody knows it."

Maya also had moments when she would cry because of the stories people would tell her. Even as a teenager, she was still confused about why people would talk to her about her late mother.

It has been over four decades since Marc's mother died, but he and the rest of their family have ensured her legacy continues to burn. May her soul continue to rest in peace.