Dom DeLuise, Comedian, Actor and Chef, Dies at Age 75

Dom DeLuise, who endeared himself to nearly everyone with whom he worked, from actors, directors and producers to his agent and fans, died late on Monday evening at the age of 75. DeLuise’s agent, Robert Malcolm, speaking of his client and friend’s comedic abilities, said, "You can’t teach someone to be funny. He was born funny, and he knew how to charm you and he knew how to make you feel comfortable. He loved people."

DeLuise was surrounded by his family on Monday evening when he passed away and though his family would not note the cause of death, they did say, "It’s easy to mourn his death but easier to remember a time when he made you laugh." Among the many movies and TV shows in which DeLuise appeared were Blazing Saddles, Silent Movie, Spaceballs, History of the World Part I, The Cannonball Run, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and many others. DeLuise starred in many films directed or written by Mel Brooks and frequently appeared in films with friend Burt Reynolds.

Said Reynolds of DeLuise, "I was thinking about this the other day. As you get older and start to lose people you love, you think about it more and I was dreading this moment. Dom always made you feel better when he was around and there will never be another like him. I never heard him say an unkind word about anyone. I will miss him very much." Dom DeLuise is survived by his three sons, his wife, his sister Anne and his grandchildren Riley, Dylan and Jake.