DeLuise had an extensive career that included radio, theater, books, film and TV.
He passed away in his sleep, late on May 4, 2009, in a Los Angeles hospital of undisclosed circumstances. He was reportedly suffering from kidney and respiratory problems stemming from a long battle with cancer.
His death was first reported by celebrity gossip website TMZ and later confirmed by his son’s publicist.
Dom DeLuise - The Early Years
Dom DeLuise was born August 1, 1933, in Brooklyn, NY to Italian-American parents.
In the late 60’s, he received his first taste of fame on TV, co-starring on shows like The Entertainers and the Dean Martin Show, where he played the popular character Dominick the Great. He then went on to host his own variety show, twice.
In later years, DeLuise appeared in many TV shows, often in cameo spots or single episodes, such as 3rd Rock from the Sun, SeaQuest DSV, and Stargate SG-1. He also did voices for several popular kids’ shows like Dexter’s Laboratory, Disney’s Hercules, and Duck Dodgers.
A Long Film Career Included Blazing Saddles, Smokey and the Bandit II
He may have risen to prominence in TV, but it was in film that his comedic talents really shone.
DeLuise partnered often with friend Mel Brooks in many of the actor-director’s most popular films, including Blazing Saddles, History of the World Part I, Silent Movie, Spaceballs and Robin Hood: Men in Tights. Their pairings spanned two decades from the mid-70s until the mid-90s.
In the 80s, DeLuise rose to the heights of his acting career when he discovered the ying to his yang in appearing with Burt Reynolds in several highly popular films. Together, the two cut up the big screen in films such as Smokey and the Bandit II and both Cannonball Run movies.
In the late 80s until recent years, DeLuise’s unmistakable jolly voice also graced several animated films, including An American Tail, All Dogs Go to Heaven and Oliver and Company.
Literary and Other Accomplishments
In addition to his long acting career, DeLuise was an avid cook and wrote four cookbooks. He also wrote seven children’s books.
He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of fame, and was also nominated during his career for several awards, including an Emmy and a Golden Globe.
A Family Man
Dom DeLuise is survived by his wife of over forty years, actress Carol Arthur, as well as his three actor son’s Peter, Michael and David DeLuise, and their families.
According to DeLuise's website, the memorial services will be private. It also states the family has requested in lieu of flowers that donations be made to a list of linked charities.
In a statement to the press, Burt Reynolds said of DeLuise’s passing, “I was thinking the other day about this. As you get older you think about this more and more, I was dreading this moment. Dom always made everyone feel better when he was around. I never heard him say an unkind word about anyone. I will miss him very much.”
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