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Dom DeLuise: 1933 - 2009

Dom DeLuise -- the roly-poly actor, comedian, author and chef -- died at the age of 75.

Dom DeLuise, the actor, comedian, and chef, has passed away at the age of 75. The funnyman died in his sleep on May 4 at a Los Angeles hospital.

Dom DeLuise, the actor, comedian, and chef, has passed away at the age of 75. The funnyman died in his sleep on May 4 at a Los Angeles hospital.

AP

Burt Reynolds pinches the cheeks of DeLuise during a "roast" of Reynolds in 1977. DeLuise and Reynolds, who co-starred in such films as"The End" and "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," also shared a strong real-life friendship.

Burt Reynolds pinches the cheeks of DeLuise during a "roast" of Reynolds in 1977. DeLuise and Reynolds, who co-starred in such films as"The End" and "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," also shared a strong real-life friendship.

Steve Helber-AP

DeLuise behind the camera in Miami in 1978 during the filming of "Hot Stuff." The film marked DeLuise's only directing credit on a major motion picture.

DeLuise behind the camera in Miami in 1978 during the filming of "Hot Stuff." The film marked DeLuise's only directing credit on a major motion picture.

AP

Reynolds and DeLuise share a moment on-screen during "Cannonball Run." After hearing of his friend's death, Reynolds said in a statement, "Dom always made everyone feel better when he was around ... I will miss him very much."

Reynolds and DeLuise share a moment on-screen during "Cannonball Run." After hearing of his friend's death, Reynolds said in a statement, "Dom always made everyone feel better when he was around ... I will miss him very much."

Twentieth Century Fox

Always the comedian, DeLuise clowns around with an elephant for a new 1982 photo shoot. The Brooklyn native was known for his endearingly naughty comedy, which earned him a spot as a regular on Dean Martin's TV variety show and eventually led to movie work, including frequent collaborations with Mel Brooks.

Always the comedian, DeLuise clowns around with an elephant for a new 1982 photo shoot. The Brooklyn native was known for his endearingly naughty comedy, which earned him a spot as a regular on Dean Martin's TV variety show and eventually led to movie work, including frequent collaborations with Mel Brooks.

AP

DeLuise, shown here in 1987, had a great passion for food. He wrote four cookbooks, including "Eat This -- It Will Make You Feel Better!" and 1997's "Eat This Too! It'll Also Make You Feel Good." He was known to prepare lavish meals for friends and family at his California home.

DeLuise, shown here in 1987, had a great passion for food. He wrote four cookbooks, including "Eat This -- It Will Make You Feel Better!" and 1997's "Eat This Too! It'll Also Make You Feel Good." He was known to prepare lavish meals for friends and family at his California home.

Mark Terrill-AP

For Christmas in 1987, DeLuise dressed up as Santa Claus and helped First Lady Nancy Reagan showcase the White House decorations. DeLuise was a favorite at the White House over the years, performing for presidents Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

For Christmas in 1987, DeLuise dressed up as Santa Claus and helped First Lady Nancy Reagan showcase the White House decorations. DeLuise was a favorite at the White House over the years, performing for presidents Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

Barry Thumma-AP

In this 1995 episode of "Murphy Brown," DeLuise appeared as himself on the fictional talk show, 'The Dick and Dottie Show,' which was hosted by guest stars Shelley Long and Fred Willard.

In this 1995 episode of "Murphy Brown," DeLuise appeared as himself on the fictional talk show, 'The Dick and Dottie Show,' which was hosted by guest stars Shelley Long and Fred Willard.

Byron J Cohen-CBS

DeLuise and John Lithgow toughen up in a promo shot for a 1998 episode of "3rd Rock from the Sun." DeLuise remained a prolific actor, working in film, television and theater, and also doing voice work.

DeLuise and John Lithgow toughen up in a promo shot for a 1998 episode of "3rd Rock from the Sun." DeLuise remained a prolific actor, working in film, television and theater, and also doing voice work.

Chris Haston-NBC

At a joint practice between the Miami Dolphins and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1999, DeLuise acted as a "guest quarterback" for the Dolphins. The actor struggled with his weight throughout his life but lost a substantial number of pounds in the 1990s, prior to getting hip replacement surgery.

At a joint practice between the Miami Dolphins and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1999, DeLuise acted as a "guest quarterback" for the Dolphins. The actor struggled with his weight throughout his life but lost a substantial number of pounds in the 1990s, prior to getting hip replacement surgery.

Gary I. Rothstein-AP

DeLuise was a father to three sons -- Peter, Michael and David -- all of whom followed in their dad's footsteps and pursued careers in Hollywood. He also is survived by his wife of 43 years, Carol.

DeLuise was a father to three sons -- Peter, Michael and David -- all of whom followed in their dad's footsteps and pursued careers in Hollywood. He also is survived by his wife of 43 years, Carol.

Frazer Harrison-Getty Images

Gallery Credits:
Photo Editor, Producer Troy Witcher Text Editor Kyle Lucas, Jen Chaney

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This Story Funnyman Known for Classic Comedies Article \| Dom DeLuise, 75, the rotund comic actor whose frequent television appearances in the 1960s and 1970s helped propel a career in films in which he often teamed with director Mel Brooks and actor Burt Reynolds, died May 4 at a hospital in Santa Monica, Calif. He had high blood pressure and diabetes,... Post Mortem: DeLuise as Dominick the Great Dom DeLuise: 1933 - 2009		Network News X Profile View More Activity TOOLBOX E-Mail This Reprints		More on washingtonpost.com • More Photo News » washingtonpost.com
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