Dom DeLuise

Acting

Born Aug 01, 1933

From Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA

Died May 04, 2009

Dominick "Dom" DeLuise (August 1, 1933 – May 4, 2009) was an American actor and comedian. Known primarily for comedy roles, he rose to fame in the 1970s as a frequent guest on television variety shows. He is widely recognized for his performances in the films of Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder, as well as a series of collaborations and a double act with Burt Reynolds. Beginning in the 1980s, his popularity expanded to younger audiences from voicing characters in several major animated productions, particularly those of Don Bluth. DeLuise was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Italian American parents. He attended the High School of Performing Arts in New York City and later studied biology at Tufts University. After graduating from college, he began his career as a stand-up comedian. He made his television debut in 1964 on the variety show The Dean Martin Show. In 1970, DeLuise made his film debut in the Mel Brooks comedy The Twelve Chairs. He went on to appear in several other Brooks films, including Blazing Saddles, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, and History of the World, Part I. He also starred in a number of films with Gene Wilder, including The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother, The World's Greatest Lover, and See No Evil, Hear No Evil. DeLuise was a frequent collaborator with Burt Reynolds, and the two starred in a number of films together, including The End, Smokey and the Bandit II, and Cannonball Run II. He also had a recurring role on the television series Evening Shade. In addition to his film and television work, DeLuise was also a successful voice actor. He voiced characters in a number of animated films, including All Dogs Go to Heaven, The Secret of NIMH, and An American Tail. He also hosted the children's cooking show Cooking with Dom DeLuise. DeLuise was a popular and beloved figure in Hollywood. He was known for his infectious laugh and his larger-than-life personality. He was also a talented actor and comedian, and he enjoyed a long and successful career. Dom DeLuise died on May 4, 2009, at the age of 75. He had been battling pancreatic cancer for several months. He died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Beverly Hills, California. DeLuise's family released a statement saying that he had died "peacefully at home after a long battle with cancer." They said that he was "surrounded by his loving family and friends." DeLuise's death was met with sadness and tributes from fans and colleagues alike. Mel Brooks, who directed DeLuise in several films, said that he was "a great talent and a great friend." Gene Wilder said that DeLuise was "one of the funniest people I've ever known." DeLuise's funeral was held on May 8, 2009, at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Beverly Hills. He was buried at the Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles.

Dom DeLuise

Known For

Spaceballs

Robin Hood: Men in Tights

The Cannonball Run

Blazing Saddles

All Dogs Go to Heaven

Cannonball Run II

Oliver & Company

The Muppet Movie

The Secret of NIMH

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

Filmography — Acting

Spaceballs

Robin Hood: Men in Tights

The Cannonball Run

Blazing Saddles

All Dogs Go to Heaven

Cannonball Run II

Oliver & Company

The Muppet Movie

The Secret of NIMH

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

An American Tail

An American Tail: Fievel Goes West

Smokey and the Bandit II

Fail Safe

The Cheap Detective

All Dogs Go to Heaven 2

An American Tail: The Mystery of the Night Monster

History of the World: Part I

Girl Play

Baby Geniuses

Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films

Johnny Dangerously

The Godson

Munchie

Sextette

A Troll in Central Park

Silent Movie

Happily Ever After

Almost Pregnant

Mel Brooks: Make a Noise

The Secret of NIMH 2: Timmy to the Rescue

Fatso

Hot Stuff

An American Tail: The Treasure of Manhattan Island

Wholly Moses

Haunted Honeymoon

Loose Cannons

The End

The Muppets Go Hollywood

The Glass Bottom Boat

The Silence of the Hams

Driving Me Crazy

Don't Drink the Water

Norwood

What's So Bad About Feeling Good?

The World's Greatest Lover

The Brainiacs.com

Happy

Lion of Oz

An All Dogs Christmas Carol

Evil Roy Slade

The Twelve Chairs

The Skateboard Kid

Going Bananas

The Busy Body

Mae West and the Men Who Knew Her

The Last Married Couple in America

The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother

The Best of the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts

Gonzo Presents Muppet Weird Stuff

Boys Will Be Boys

Every Little Crook and Nanny

Laurel and Hardy: A Tribute to the Boys

Magic with the Stars

Marty Feldman: Six Degrees of Separation

Red Line

The Dean Martin Christmas Show