Dom DeLuise Net Worth: A Look at the Life and Career of the Beloved Actor and Comedian

What is Dom DeLuise’s net worth and salary?

Dom DeLuise was an American actor, comedian, director, producer, and writer who had an estimated net worth of $15 million at the time of his death in 2009. He had a long and successful career in the entertainment industry, which earned him a high income from his acting and other endeavors.

Early Life and Education

Dom DeLuise was born on August 1, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York City. He was the youngest of three sons and was raised in a Catholic family. His parents were both Italian immigrants, and his father was a construction worker.

DeLuise attended Manhattan’s School of Performing Arts and later graduated from the New York City College of Technology with a degree in culinary arts.

Career

Dom DeLuise began his career as a comedian in the 1950s, performing in clubs and theaters in New York City. He gained national recognition in the 1960s with his appearances on variety shows, such as “The Garry Moore Show” and “The Dean Martin Show.”

In the 1970s, DeLuise began his acting career in film and television, appearing in movies like “The Twelve Chairs” and “Blazing Saddles.” He later appeared in several Mel Brooks films, including “Spaceballs,” “Robin Hood: Men in Tights,” and “History of the World, Part I.”

In addition to his acting career, DeLuise also worked as a director, producer, and writer. He directed several episodes of the TV sitcom “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman” and produced and starred in his own TV variety show, “The Dom DeLuise Show.”

Personal Life

Dom DeLuise was married to actress Carol Arthur from 1965 until his death in 2009. The couple had three sons together: Peter, Michael, and David.

DeLuise was known for his sense of humor, and he often incorporated his family into his work. His sons appeared in many of his movies, and he often wrote stories based on their childhood experiences.

Illness and Death

Dom DeLuise was diagnosed with diabetes in the early 1990s and struggled with the disease for the rest of his life. He also suffered from high blood pressure and other health problems.

On May 4, 2009, DeLuise died in Los Angeles at the age of 75. He had been hospitalized for several weeks due to respiratory failure caused by pneumonia.

Real Estate

Dom DeLuise owned several properties throughout his life, including a mansion in Beverly Hills, California, which he purchased in 1989 for $2.5 million. He also owned a vacation home in Napa Valley and a property in New York City.

Legacy

Dom DeLuise is remembered for his comedic talent and his ability to make people laugh. He was beloved by many for his larger-than-life personality and his infectious sense of humor.

DeLuise’s impact on the entertainment industry has been recognized with several posthumous awards, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What were some of Dom DeLuise’s most famous roles?

Dom DeLuise appeared in dozens of movies and TV shows throughout his career, but some of his most famous roles include:

– Chef Dominick Deluca in “The Muppet Movie”
– Captain Chaos in “The Cannonball Run”
– Don Giovanni in “History of the World, Part I”
– Emperor Nero in “History of the World, Part I”
– Lepetomane in “Blazing Saddles”

2. Did Dom DeLuise ever win any awards for his work?

Yes, Dom DeLuise won several awards throughout his career, including:

– Golden Globe (1978) for Best Actor in a Motion Picture (Musical/Comedy) for “The End”
– Emmy Award (1983) for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or a Special for “The Cannonball Run”
– Disney Legends Award (1994) for his contributions to the Disney company

3. Was Dom DeLuise a trained chef?

Yes, Dom DeLuise had a degree in culinary arts from the New York City College of Technology. He was also known for his love of cooking and often incorporated food into his comedy routines.

4. What was Dom DeLuise’s relationship with Mel Brooks?

Dom DeLuise and Mel Brooks had a close friendship and worked together on several movies, including “The Twelve Chairs,” “Blazing Saddles,” and “Spaceballs.” Brooks once referred to DeLuise as “the funniest man in the world.”

5. Did Dom DeLuise have any other talents besides acting and comedy?

Yes, in addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Dom DeLuise was also an accomplished chef and author. He wrote several cookbooks, including “Eat This…It’ll Make You Feel Better!” and “Eat This Too!”

6. Was Dom DeLuise ever involved in any philanthropic work?

Yes, Dom DeLuise was involved with several charities throughout his life, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Children’s Miracle Network. He also helped raise funds for AIDS research and other causes.

7. Was Dom DeLuise ever involved in any controversies?

No, Dom DeLuise was not known for being involved in any controversies or scandals throughout his career. He was widely respected and beloved by his peers in the entertainment industry.

8. What was Dom DeLuise’s relationship with his sons?

Dom DeLuise was very close with his three sons, Peter, Michael, and David. They often appeared in his movies and TV shows, and he wrote stories based on their childhood experiences. His sons also worked as actors and comedians.

9. Did Dom DeLuise ever do any voice acting?

Yes, Dom DeLuise did several voice acting roles throughout his career, including:

– Fievel in “An American Tail”
– Tiger in “The Adventures of Tom Thumb and Thumbelina”
– Pizza the Hutt in “Spaceballs”
– Itchy in “All Dogs Go to Heaven”

10. Was Dom DeLuise ever in any stage productions?

Yes, Dom DeLuise appeared in several stage productions over the course of his career, including “The Odd Couple” and “The Sunshine Boys.”

11. Was Dom DeLuise ever on “Saturday Night Live”?

No, Dom DeLuise was never a cast member on “Saturday Night Live,” but he did make several guest appearances on the show in the 1970s and 1980s.

12. What was Dom DeLuise’s favorite film that he appeared in?

According to interviews with his family and friends, Dom DeLuise’s favorite movie that he appeared in was “The End,” which he also produced.

13. What was Dom DeLuise’s last movie?

Dom DeLuise’s last movie role was a voice acting role in the animated film “The Tale of Despereaux” in 2008.

14. Was Dom DeLuise ever involved in any TV shows?

Yes, Dom DeLuise appeared in several TV shows throughout his career, including “The Dean Martin Show,” “The Love Boat,” “The Streets of San Francisco,” and “Stargate SG-1.”

15. What was Dom DeLuise’s favorite Italian dish?

Dom DeLuise was known for his love of Italian food, and his favorite dish was reportedly spaghetti and meatballs. He even included a recipe for it in his cookbook, “Eat This…It’ll Make You Feel Better!”