HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Actor Dom DeLuise, a popular star whose comedy skills delighted audiences for decades, has died. He was 75.
The comedian died Monday night around 6:30 p.m. in his sleep after battling a long illness, his son, Michael DeLuise, told KTLA-TV and radio station KNX on Tuesday.
DeLuise is perhaps best known for his many starring roles in the 1970s and 1980s opposite Burt Reynolds, including "The End," "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," 'Smokey and the Bandit II," "The Cannonball Run" and "Cannonball Run II."
In a statement released Tuesday, Reynolds expressed his sorrows.
"I was thinking the other day about this. As you get older you think about this more and more, I was dreading this moment," he said. "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."
The Brooklyn, New York native also enjoyed a long collaboration with director Mel Brooks. The pair teamed for such films as "The Twelve Chairs," "Blazing Saddles," "Silent Movie," "History of the World Part I" and "Robin Hood: Men in Tights."
DeLuise also was a familiar face on television, with credits including "The Munsters," "The Girl From U.N.C.L.E.," "Burke's Law," "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" and "Diagnosis Murder." He was also a regular on friend Dean Martin's comedy-variety show in the 1960s.
Towards the latter part of his life, DeLuise followed his passion for food by becoming a chef. In addition to penning several cookbooks, he was a regular contributor to the syndicated radio show, "On The House with the Carey Brothers," in which he provided listeners with culinary tips.
DeLuise is survived by his wife, actress Carol Arthur. In addition to Michael, the couple has two other sons, Peter and David.
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