Dom DeLuise legendary actor, comedian cookbook author

Dom DeLuise — A Life of Laughter, Beneath the Overpass

On my walk through Calvary Cemetery in Queens, New York, I came upon a grave nestled near the entrance — close to a stone wall and beneath the rumble of a busy overpass. It was here, modestly tucked away, that I discovered the final resting place of actor and comedian Dom DeLuise.

Born in Brooklyn to Italian-American parents, Dominick DeLuise first stepped into the world of performance in 1952. What followed was a long, colourful career filled with laughs, warmth, and unmistakable charisma.

He became a household name through his unforgettable roles in 1970s and ’80s comedy classics like The Cannonball Run, Smokey and the Bandit II, and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Often the lovable sidekick to Burt Reynolds.

Off-screen, Dom wore many hats — he was a chef, a children’s book author, and even hosted a home improvement show. A true Renaissance man with a comedic twist, he famously bore a striking resemblance to Chef Paul Prudhomme, which became something of a running joke — and a brand all its own.

Dom’s doppelgänger, Paul Prudhomme. Fellow chef.

At his funeral in 2009, his longtime friend Burt Reynolds offered a eulogy that captured the essence of the man:

“As you get older you start to lose people you love, you think about it more, and I was dreading this moment. Dom always made you feel better when he was around, and there will never be another like him.”

Dominick DeLuise died in Santa Monica, California on May 9, 2009. He was 75.

1933-2009