thatcrazycajun | In Memoriam: Dominick DeLuise, 1933-2009

The world just got a little less funny...and a little less tasty as well. Character actor, chef, author. comedian and general nutcase (in a good way!) Dom DeLuise has passed away at the age of 75 in a Los Angeles, CA hospital under treatment for kidney and respiratory problems. His obituary is here, and Wikipedia's page on him lists some of his films and TV work.

Even if his own long and illustrious career weren't enough cause to mourn Dom's passing, he also spawned a son, Peter, whose acting, writing and direction helped shepherd the first two Stargate television shows to greatness over the past decade. (He even brought in dear old Dad for a guest shot as a Goa'uld con artist in one episode.) Pete has also done other genre-TV work, including Highlander: The Series and Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda. And Dom's two other sons, David and Michael, likewise followed in their father's sizable (in more ways than one!) footsteps as actors.

Wherever he appeared, Dom could always be counted on to add a little zany spice to the proceedings, whether or not a stove and a pot were involved. His classically Italian brio and love of life, laughter and good food will be dearly missed; and my heart goes out to hs widow Carol Arthur and their boys, as well as all his family, friends, colleagues and fans. Arrivederci, Uncle Dom, e molto grazie.