Trivia

Appeared with all three of his sons--Peter DeLuise, Michael DeLuise and David DeLuise--and wife Carol Arthur in Hot Stuff (1979).

Broke into show business and television in the late 1950s in kids shows. In 1958, he took over the role of Tinker the Toymaker in daytime television's Tinker's Workshop (1954), which originally starred the show's creator and first host, Robert Keeshan, better known later as "Captain Kangaroo".

His father was a garbage collector who spoke only Italian.

Was good friends with Mel Brooks, who cast him in several of his movies.

He and all three of his sons -- Peter DeLuise, Michael DeLuise and David DeLuise -- all appeared in various episodes of Stargate SG-1 (1997). Peter was also one of the series' producers and directors.

Highly regarded as a chef, he published two books of his favorite Italian recipes, "Eat This!" and "Eat This, Too!".

Has spoofed The Godfather (1972) in two movies: Cannonball Run II (1984) as Don Canneloni and Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993) as Don Giovanni.

He was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1777 Vine Street in Hollywood, California, on May 6, 1985.

As magician Dominick the Great, he had an assistant, the Gypsy Shegundela (performed by the lantern-jawed Ruth Buzzi). When performing a magic trick, Dom would caution the audience, "No applause-a, please. Save-a for-a the end." Since none of his "magic" ever worked without being patently obvious (or being exposed by Shegundela), applause for the tricks was never forthcoming.

His comedy idol was Jackie Gleason.

He was the author of two children's books: "Charlie the Caterpillar" and "Goldie Locks and the Three Bears: The Real Story!".

Attended and graduated from the School of Performing Arts in Manhattan. At one point, he wanted to become a teacher, which led him to enroll at Tufts College to study biology.

He was mentioned in the song "After the Fire" written by The Who guitarist Pete Townshend, simply stating "...while I was laughing at Dom DeLuise".

Joined the Cain Park Theatre in Cleveland and spent two seasons at the Cleveland Playhouse in the 1950s.

His ashes are buried with his parents at Calvary Cemetery in Woodside, New York.

Godmother of his son David DeLuise was Anne Bancroft.

He has appeared in two films that have been selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant: Blazing Saddles (1974) & The Muppet Movie (1979).

Appeared in The Twelve Chairs (1970) with Ron Moody. Both of them have played Fagin in a production of "Oliver Twist". Ron Moody played Fagin in Oliver! (1968) and Dom DeLuise voiced Fagin in Oliver & Company (1988).

Once appeared with all three of his sons--Peter DeLuise, Michael DeLuise and David DeLuise--in the "Vapors" episode of SeaQuest 2032 (1993), in which Peter and Michael were regular cast members.

Father-in-law of actress Anne Marie DeLuise.

One of three children born to Italian immigrants. His brother and sister are Nick and Ann.

Once appeared with all three of his sons, Peter DeLuise, Michael DeLuise and David DeLuise as their father in 3rd Rock from the Sun (1996), in which David had a recurring role as a student.

In Happy (1983), he appeared with his wife Carol Arthur and his three sons: David DeLuise, Michael DeLuise and Peter DeLuise.

Had three grandchildren: David's daughters Dylan and Riley DeLuise, and Peter's son Jake (born 2004).

Met his wife while working in summer stock in Provincetown, Massachusetts.

Studied acting with Michael Howard in New York City.

Briefly served as the fourth and last host/performer and instructor on Tinker's Workshop (1954) on WJZ/WABC TV Ch. 7 NYC's weekday mornings from 1958 to Friday August 22, 1958. He also appeared on Shari Lewis' The Shari Lewis Show (1960) (as bumbling private eye Kenny Ketcham) on NBC TV Saturday mornings from October 1960 to September 1962, and on The Charlie Horse Music Pizza (1998) (as Cookie) on PBS TV weekday mornings from 1996 to 1998.

DeLuise was one of the actors considered for the voice role of Luca in Shark Tale before Vincent Pastore was cast.

Was named as "King of Brooklyn" at the Welcome Back to Brooklyn Festival. (1984)

Dom DeLuise passed away on May 4, 2009, three months away from what would have been his 76th birthday on August 1. May 4 is also known by Star Wars fans as Star Wars day: May the 4th be with you. It just so happened he was a voice actor for Spaceballs (1987), a spoof of Star Wars.

Mentioned in Columbo: Uneasy Lies the Crown (1990).

Had hip replacement surgery. (1993)

Biography in: "Who's Who in Comedy" by Ronald L. Smith. pg. 134-135. New York: Facts on File (1992). ISBN 0816023387.

Former father-in-law of Gina Nemo.

Often cited as being a doppelganger for famed chef Paul Prudhomme. He even visited Paul Prudhomme's restaurant in New Orleans, and took advantage of the resemblance to "impersonate" Prudhomme.

Mentioned in the Roger Daltrey song "After The Fire." The lyrics are as follows: [I saw Matt Dillon in Black & White, There ain't no color in memories. He rode his brother's Harley across the TV, While I was laughing at Dom DeLuise.].