Actor-Comedian Dom DeLuise Dies At Age 75
Posted May 5, 2009 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Dom DeLuise, known as much for his convivial nature as he was for his array of television and movie roles, has died at the age of 75.
The actor-comedian passed away in his sleep at a Los Angeles hospital on Monday night after battling a long illness, his son Michael DeLuise confirmed.
DeLuise starred in dozens of films over the years including Blazing Saddles, The Twelve Chairs, The Cannonball Run, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and Silent Movie. He frequently worked with writer-director Mel Brooks and also appeared as the voice of Pizza the Hutt in the Star Wars parody Spaceballs.
He also appeared in TV shows including the sitcom Lotsa Luck, The Munsters, Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Diagnosis Murder.
The actor’s passions included cooking, and he published two cookbooks. His love of food led to a lifelong battle with obesity, and at one point he tipped the scales at 325 pounds.
Born Dominick DeLuise in New York City on Aug. 1, 1933, the actor came from humble roots. His father was a garbage collector and spoke only Italian.
Early in his acting career he joined the Cleveland Playhouse, and performed in a number of productions including Kiss Me Kate and Hamlet. While working in summer stock in Provincetown, Mass., he met the woman who would become his wife, Carol Arthur.
DeLuise became a household name after Garry Moore saw him performing on Broadway in the 1960s. He enlisted the jolly actor to play magician Dominick the Great on The Garry Moore Show. From there it was onward and upward for DeLuise, who by this point had been noticed by Hollywood.
The couple’s three sons, Peter, Michael and David, all followed in their father’s footsteps, appearing with him in the TV series SeaQuestDSV.
To see more highlights from DeLuise’s varied career click here.
