May 5 2009 Dom DeLuise Dead at 75
Dom DeLuise, actor, comedian, and frequent Win, Lose or Draw contestant, has died at 75:
Dom DeLuise, the mirthful, moon-faced comic actor who was a regular on Dean Martin's television variety show in the 1970s and provided frequent comedic support in movies starring Mel Brooks and Burt Reynolds, has died. He was 75.DeLuise died in Santa Monica in his sleep Monday night surrounded by family after a long illness, his son, Michael, told KTLA.
"He was a naturally funny man," film critic Leonard Maltin told The Times today. "He didn't need a script to be funny, but smart people like Mel Brooks knew how to give him just the right setting and showcase."
Full obituary on the LA Times; clips of some of my favorite DeLuise roles under the cut.
