He was the comedian whose presence couldn’t be missed. But today, Dom DeLuise, the larger than life funnyman, who rose to fame in the ’70s and ’80s for his roles in “Blazing Saddles,” “Cannonball Run” and “Spaceballs,” is being missed by millions. According to reports, the actor died late Monday night in a L.A. hospital. He was 75.
The star reportedly died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his immediate family, including his wife of nearly 45 years, actress Carol Arthur.
DeLuise, who consistently wrote of his large appetite and rotund figure, got his big break in the 1960s as a regular performer on the television show “The Entertainers.” He went on to become a regular guest star on “The Dean Martin Summer Show.” Then, in 1968 the actor scored his own series on CBS, “The Dom DeLuise Show.”
In the ’70s, DeLuise segued to the big screen. His first notable film role was in Oscar-winning director Sidney Lumet’s 1964 movie, “Fail Safe.” DeLuise then paired up with Mel Brooks and his career took off. Brooks cast DeLuise in “The Twelve Chairs,” “Blazing Saddles” and “History of the World: Part I.” He also appeared with Gene Wilder in “The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes’ Smarter Brother” and “The World’s Greatest Lover.”
Another Hollywood hook-up that paid off big time for DeLuise was his relationship with Burt Reynolds. The two actors became fast friends and went on to work together on several blockbusters, including two “Cannonball Run” movies, “Smokey and the Bandit II” and “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.” DeLuise also showed off his vocal talents in animated films such as “An American Tail” and “All Dogs Go to Heaven.”
The versatile actor also took his turn behind the camera when he directed “Hot Stuff” in 1973. DeLuise’s other talents included cooking and writing. The avid chef wrote four cookbooks and seven children’s books. DeLuise says he got his material for the latter from his three sons – Peter, Michael and David.
No word on whether DeLuise will be honored with a public memorial.