August 1, 1933 – May 4, 2009
“I’m actually a thin serious person but I play fat and funny, but only for the movies.” – Dom DeLuise
Actor.
Comedian.
Author.
Musician.
Chef.
In the 1970s and ’80s, you could not look anywhere without encountering the brilliance of Dom DeLuise. Whether he was stealing scenes in classic Mel Brooks’ movies (History of the World Part I, Silent Movie, Spaceballs), buddying up on the open road with real-life pal and frequent co-star, Burt Reynolds (Cannonball Run I & II, Smokey and the Bandit II) or appearing on stage at the Metropolitan Opera, DeLuise was everywhere.
And absolutely no one complained.
Dominick DeLuise was born in Brooklyn and immediately sought a life in show business. After graduating from a performing arts high school and by way of college/regional theater in Massachusetts, he started finding work back in New York. He appeared in a number of Off-Broadway and Broadway shows and eventually made his way onto television. He appeared in a season 2 episode of The Munsters and was featured on The Dean Martin Show, where he became a crowd (and host) favorite. This led to his own, short-lived eponymous variety show…and so much more.
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