Dom DeLuise

As you read this, gravity is pulling his gigantic carcass closer to the center of the earth.

One of those role players who could be counted on to come off the bench and reliably contribute each time he got to the plate. Unfortunately his specialty was the bunt. He delivered the laughs in a minor comic part after minor comic part. His association with Burt Reynolds represented his career zenith, but let's be honest the 70's wasn't exactly a Golden Era in Hollywood Studio comedy. He had a good run. Bless him.

Dom DeLuise was one of those guys who seemed to dabble in show business rather than dig in for a serious career. Maybe he didn't see it that way but it's how it occurs to me. He was big on the talk show circuit, did the game show thing, and popped into several comedies when you seemed to least expect it. It all seemed to work pretty well for him though. My most memorable Dom moment was in Blazing Saddles when he's playing the choreographer at the end of the film. I can't tell you how many times I've seen it and still cracks me up.

Oh, for Stargate SG 1, I think he's related to the producer-oh and Fatso and Cannonball Run with Jackie Chan and Burt Reynolds too. A very likable fellow.

Most of DeLuise's work was before my time, but the one scene I really remember him for is from Robin Hood Men in Tights. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ghcv0bvzsCA I wouldn't say he was ever a huge star, but he seemed to be great as the lovable, supporting character. Nothing wrong with living to 75, but cancer claims another one.