Remembering actor and comedian Dom DeLuise
The comedy legend was born on this day in 1933
Remembering actor and comedian Dom DeLuise
Dom DeLuise was born Dominick DeLuise on August 1, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York. He was the son of Italian immigrants, Vincenza “Jennie” (née DeStefano) and John DeLuise, a civil servant. Growing up in a vibrant and lively household, DeLuise discovered his love for entertaining at an early age, often performing for his family and friends.
Dom DeLuise’s professional career began in the 1950s when he started working in theater and television. He gained recognition as a regular on the children’s television show “Tinker’s Workshop” in 1954. His comedic talents were soon noticed, leading to appearances on popular TV shows such as “The Garry Moore Show” and “The Dean Martin Show.” DeLuise’s big break came in the 1960s when he became a regular on “The Entertainers,” which showcased his versatility as both a comedian and an actor.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Dom DeLuise became a household name, known for his robust and boisterous comedic style. He frequently collaborated with Mel Brooks, appearing in several of Brooks’ films, including “Blazing Saddles” (1974), “Silent Movie” (1976), and “History of the World, Part I” (1981). DeLuise was also a regular in films directed by his friend Burt Reynolds, such as “The Cannonball Run” (1981) and its sequels, “Smokey and the Bandit II”, “The End” and “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.”
In addition to his film work, DeLuise was a beloved figure on television, making guest appearances on numerous shows and starring in his sitcom, “Lotsa Luck” (1973-1974) and from 1991 to 1992 he became the face of the popular TV Show “Candid Camera.” He also lent his voice to various animated characters, most notably in Don Bluth’s films like “An American Tail” (1986) and “All Dogs Go to Heaven” (1989).
Dom DeLuise married actress Carol Arthur in 1965, and they remained together until his death. The couple had three sons: Peter, Michael, and David, all of whom followed their parents into the entertainment industry. DeLuise was known for his warm personality, generosity, and love for cooking, even authoring several cookbooks.
Dom DeLuise passed away on May 4, 2009, at the age of 75. He died of kidney failure and respiratory complications at Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California after one year battling cancer. His death was widely mourned in the entertainment industry, with many remembering him as a kind-hearted man who brought joy and laughter to countless people.
Watch Dom DeLuise in one of his most memorable roles as Captain Chaos in the 1984 movie “Cannonball Run 2”
Also watch Dom DeLuise parody of the movie “Silence of the Lambs” in this 1994 clip of “Silence of the Hams”
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