Dom Deluise died yesterday in Los Angeles at the age of 75, surrounded by his family.
In my opinion, he was one of the funniest comedic actors around. He was able to take small roles and make them the most memorable in a film. My personal favorite is his turn as Buddy Bizarre, a movie director whose set is invaded by cowboys on horseback in Mel Brooks' "Blazing Saddles."
Deluise appeared in over 100 films and several television shows. I remember his first series, which debuted in the fall of 1973, lasting but one season. It was called Lotsa Luck, in which he played Stanley Belmont, the guy who ran the lost and found at the New York City bus terminal. Carl Reiner, close friend and one-time comedic partner of Mel Brooks, created the show and supervised the writing. The show's short life may have been due, in part, to the show's pretty edgy writing. Nonetheless, Deluise impressed enough people to grab a Golden Globe nomination for his work as Stanley.
I don't know why, but I still remember a line from the show that I found hilarious: "Yeah, my father. He was the only man I knew who could sweat while swimming." It may not have been the line itself as much as the delivery.
Funny, funny guy.
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