Dom DeLuise dies

Comic and actor was 75

Veteran American comedian Dom DeLuise has died at the age of 75.

The actor died in his sleep at a hospital in Santa Monica at 6.30pm on Monday night, his son Michael told reporters. He had reportedly suffered kidney failure and respiratory problems.

Born in Brooklyn in 1933, DeLuise first came to prominence in with the magic act Dominick the Great on the Dean Martin show.

But his fame was cemented in the Seventies and early Eighies when he appeared in films such as The Cannonball Run, The Muppet Movie and Smokey and the Bandit II.

He was a regular in Mel Brooks's films, appearing in tin The Twelve Chairs, Blazing Saddles, Silent Movie, History of the World Part I, Spaceballs and Robin Hood: Men in Tights.

DeLuise was also nominated for a Golden Globe in 1974 for his work on TV comedy Lotsa Luck.

He hosted Candid Camera from 1991 to 1992, and in latter years wrote cook books and children’s literature.

He leaves his wife, actress Carol Arthur, and three sons.

Here he is on the Dean Martin show:

And in Mel Brooks’s History of the World Part 1:

Published: 5 May 2009

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