Actor, Comedian Dom DeLuise Dies at Age 75

Dom DeLuise — comedian, actor, chef — passed away Monday night at the age of 75. His son, Michael DeLuise, told Los Angeles TV station KTLA and radio station KNX that his father died in his sleep at a Santa Monica hospital after a long illness.

Known for his outsized personality and broad comedic range, Dom DeLuise made a name for himself on television variety shows of the 1960s and ’70s as well as with a plethora of memorable, goofy movie roles. He was often cast in Mel Brooks films, including ‘Blazing Saddles’ and ‘History of the World Part I,’ and was also known for his frequent collaboration with friend Burt Reynolds in car chase films such as ‘Cannonball Run.’ Among many other highlights, his good natured work with Jim Henson’s Muppets on TV and the big screen are also fondly remembered.