LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Dom DeLuise, who spiced up such movies as "Blazing Saddles," "Silent Movie" and "The Cannonball Run" with his manic delivery and roly-poly persona, has died, his son's publicist said.
Dom DeLuise was best known for his roles in Mel Brooks films as well as films with his friend Burt Reynolds.

Dom DeLuise was best known for his roles in Mel Brooks films as well as films with his friend Burt Reynolds.

Publicist Jay Schwartz did not disclose the cause of death, but DeLuise, 75, had been battling cancer for more than a year.

DeLuise was surrounded by family when he died in a Santa Monica, California, hospital Monday night, son Michael DeLuise told CNN affiliate KTLA.

DeLuise was most famous for his supporting roles in a number of Mel Brooks films, including 1974's "Saddles" -- in which he played a flamboyant musical director who led dancers in a number called "The French Mistake" -- and 1976's "Silent Movie," in which he played the assistant to Brooks' director Mel Funn. He was also in the Brooks-directed "The Twelve Chairs" (1970), "Spaceballs" (1987) and "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" (1993).

But he could also assay more serious roles, most notably in the 1980 dark comedy "Fatso," in which he played an overweight man trying to wean himself from comfort food. The film was directed by Brooks' wife, Anne Bancroft. Video Watch an impromptu performance by Dom DeLuise »

DeLuise, who struggled with his own weight, was also an author of cookbooks.

In 1991, he told CNN's Larry King that after meeting Luciano Pavarotti while working on an opera, he realized he needed to try to shed some of his weight.

"I finally became powerless over food," he told King. "You know, anybody who's an alcoholic or cocaine or something, that's what food was to me."

Besides authoring cookbooks, DeLuise penned seven children's books.

DeLuise was also part of the supporting cast in the Burt Reynolds crash-'em-up vehicles "Smokey and the Bandit II" (1980), "Cannonball Run" (1981) and "Cannonball Run II" (1984). Other DeLuise films include "The End" (1978), "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" (1982) and "Johnny Dangerously" (1984).

His voice was featured in such films as "An American Tail" (1986) and its sequels, "All Dogs Go to Heaven" (1989) and its 1996 sequel, and "Oliver & Company" (1988).
Don't Miss

* EW.com: Remembering Dom DeLuise

Dominic DeLuise was born in Brooklyn, New York, on August 1, 1933. In the 1960s he had bit parts in a handful of movies, including "Fail Safe" (1964), but became well known as a regular on "The Entertainers" and a Dean Martin variety show. He had his own summer replacement show in 1968 and was a regular on Glen Campbell's "Goodtime Hour" in 1971-72. Video Watch DeLuise talk about working on "The Mike Douglas Show" »

DeLuise had three sons -- Peter, Michael and David -- who all became actors. He told Larry King that it was the "joy of my life" to work with his oldest son, Peter, when he directed the film "Second Nature."

His wife of 40 years, actress Carol Arthur, appeared in several movies with him, including "Blazing Saddles" and "Silent Movie," according to DeLuise's Web site.

DeLuise worked closely on several films with pal Gene Wilder, who in 2002 told Larry King that of all of his co-stars, DeLuise "makes me laugh the most."
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A frequent collaborator with DeLuise, Burt Reynolds released a statement to "Entertainment Tonight" on his friend's death.

"I was thinking the other day about this. As you get older you think about this more and more, I was dreading this moment. Dom always made everyone feel better when he was around. I never heard him say an unkind word about anyone. I will miss him very much," Reynolds says.
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Sound Off: Your opinions and comments
bigsampson
updated 2 hours, 18 minutes ago

Loved dom very much, im only 30 but i can tell you that he was such a good guy on screen u had to love him.....the last thing i saw him on was his sons show stargate sg-1...he was so likable that i was so hoping for ...more

Loved dom very much, im only 30 but i can tell you that he was such a good guy on screen u had to love him.....the last thing i saw him on was his sons show stargate sg-1...he was so likable that i was so hoping for more of him on maybe one of its spinoffs... you will be missed and loved dom...you did a good job in life and raised 3 Talented sons as well. less
butch
updated 2 hours, 21 minutes ago

brilliant comedian. Dom, we will miss you!

brilliant comedian. Dom, we will miss you! less
Randy
updated 2 hours, 21 minutes ago

Dom made us laugh. Now the angels will have that opportunity

Dom made us laugh. Now the angels will have that opportunity less
Tim
updated 2 hours, 29 minutes ago

wow.... very sad, Dom was awesome! I can't believe they didn't mention all of his work with Jim Henson / The Muppets.... Great stuff...

wow.... very sad, Dom was awesome! I can't believe they didn't mention all of his work with Jim Henson / The Muppets.... Great stuff... less
ellen
updated 2 hours, 29 minutes ago

I loved all his movies and he will be missed my blessing go out to his family

I loved all his movies and he will be missed my blessing go out to his family less
David Valadez
updated 2 hours, 29 minutes ago

Dom DeLuise was a true actor, creating good where it did not exist. Many happy memories growing up with his laughter.
Spirit bless Dom and his family.

Dom DeLuise was a true actor, creating good where it did not exist. Many happy memories growing up with his laughter.
Spirit bless Dom and his family. less
Jon
updated 2 hours, 34 minutes ago

I've just read this, and I'm very saddened at the news. His films gave far more than he could have imagined, truly the mark of a great comic actor. The world was a far better with Dom, it's a far harsher place without him. God rest...

I've just read this, and I'm very saddened at the news. His films gave far more than he could have imagined, truly the mark of a great comic actor. The world was a far better with Dom, it's a far harsher place without him. God rest... less
DLK
updated 2 hours, 34 minutes ago

As a kid I loved watching him in movies.....A funny man who's laugh made you laugh bringing you to tears.

As a kid I loved watching him in movies.....A funny man who's laugh made you laugh bringing you to tears. less
Pat
updated 2 hours, 34 minutes ago

Very sad news about Dom, I really enjoyed Cannonball Run and All Dogs Go To Heaven. Farewell Dom, I will miss you. My condolences to your family x

Very sad news about Dom, I really enjoyed Cannonball Run and All Dogs Go To Heaven. Farewell Dom, I will miss you. My condolences to your family x less
Christina
updated 2 hours, 34 minutes ago

May he rest in peace. He will be missed.

May he rest in peace. He will be missed. less
JC
updated 2 hours, 34 minutes ago

My name is Jeremy, "I'm not a turkey!", and I will always remember Mr. DeLuise for playing some of the best comedic voices in my favorite childhood movies: "All Dogs Go to Heaven", "A Troll In Central Park", and my ab ...more

My name is Jeremy, "I'm not a turkey!", and I will always remember Mr. DeLuise for playing some of the best comedic voices in my favorite childhood movies: "All Dogs Go to Heaven", "A Troll In Central Park", and my absolute favorite, Jeremy the Crow in "The Secret of NIMH". I still ball over in laughter when I see him trying to escape the the cat and Auntie Shrew. His song and dance, "I love kids and kids love me, a ke a oo I a luv the kids. AAAAAA-CHOOOO!" always left me without breath and whenever I see something sparkly I think of Mr. DeLuise. God bless Mr. DeLuise and his family. Fond regards and many, many thanks! less
Scott
updated 2 hours, 34 minutes ago

Icons like this leave a hole that will never again be filled becuase of the simple purity of his humor that could make anyone laugh. He is already missed.

Icons like this leave a hole that will never again be filled becuase of the simple purity of his humor that could make anyone laugh. He is already missed. less
Barbara
updated 2 hours, 34 minutes ago

so sorry to hear about Dom Deluise. a very funny man, great cook and a great person to know. rest in peace. start cooking up in heaven, because when its my turn to go, I want to sit at your table....

so sorry to hear about Dom Deluise. a very funny man, great cook and a great person to know. rest in peace. start cooking up in heaven, because when its my turn to go, I want to sit at your table.... less
JohnHarry
updated 2 hours, 34 minutes ago

Thanks for all the laughs, your a great one.

Thanks for all the laughs, your a great one. less
Mike Miller
updated 2 hours, 34 minutes ago

Many of today's comics could learn volumes from Dom and how he conducted his life. Never anything negative about anything or anyone. Never had to depend on profanity to make his act funny. They broke the mold after Do ...more

Many of today's comics could learn volumes from Dom and how he conducted his life. Never anything negative about anything or anyone. Never had to depend on profanity to make his act funny. They broke the mold after Dom was born. A great talent of the likes we will not see again. Condolences to his family and close friends. less
SGS
updated 2 hours, 34 minutes ago

You have to get the movie-Shirlock Holmes' Smarter Brother with Gene Wilder. It's an unknown classic! God Bless to Dom and his family.

You have to get the movie-Shirlock Holmes' Smarter Brother with Gene Wilder. It's an unknown classic! God Bless to Dom and his family. less
Joe
updated 2 hours, 34 minutes ago

A real shame. I fyou ever watch the last few minutes of outakes at the end of Cannonball Run, you can see that Reylonds and Deluise really loved each other. Very sad. He was a funny man.

A real shame. I fyou ever watch the last few minutes of outakes at the end of Cannonball Run, you can see that Reylonds and Deluise really loved each other. Very sad. He was a funny man. less
Carol
updated 2 hours, 34 minutes ago

I've missed seeing Dom in the last few years. One of my favorites. My favorite movie was "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas". What a cast it had!

I've missed seeing Dom in the last few years. One of my favorites. My favorite movie was "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas". What a cast it had! less
Reynaldo Garza III
updated 2 hours, 34 minutes ago

This is the first time I have shed tears because of Dom DeLuise that had nothing to do with laughter... :( A fine actor and comedian and always, ALWAYS one of my favorite entertainers! You will be missed! You will be remembered with fond smiles and laughter!

This is the first time I have shed tears because of Dom DeLuise that had nothing to do with laughter... :( A fine actor and comedian and always, ALWAYS one of my favorite entertainers! You will be missed! You will be remembered with fond smiles and laughter! less
Ed
updated 2 hours, 34 minutes ago

Those of us who had the privilige to see his movies and shows will miss Don immensely I Have always been fond of his character "Dominique the Greatest"

Those of us who had the privilige to see his movies and shows will miss Don immensely I Have always been fond of his character "Dominique the Greatest" less
Rob
updated 2 hours, 34 minutes ago

I remember all the Dom DeLuise Burt Reynolds films. They were good friends and the comedy on the screen like The END,Cannonball Run 1 & 2, Smokey and the Bandit II etc. ( outtakes were great ), all the Johnny Carson T ...more

I remember all the Dom DeLuise Burt Reynolds films. They were good friends and the comedy on the screen like The END,Cannonball Run 1 & 2, Smokey and the Bandit II etc. ( outtakes were great ), all the Johnny Carson Tonight Show's
I think everyone has a smile on their face when the think Dom DeLuise.
Thanks Dom for all the laughter less
kevin
updated 2 hours, 34 minutes ago

Anouther great comedian has left us. Dom gave us something greater than gold. A good laugh. Heaven is now a happier place.

Anouther great comedian has left us. Dom gave us something greater than gold. A good laugh. Heaven is now a happier place. less
Mark
updated 2 hours, 34 minutes ago

I always loved Dom. He was the funniest...Even his early TV bits were hillarious.He will be missed. I always remember him as the OB/GYN taking care of Burt Reynolds Elephant! Give me Air!!!!

I always loved Dom. He was the funniest...Even his early TV bits were hillarious.He will be missed. I always remember him as the OB/GYN taking care of Burt Reynolds Elephant! Give me Air!!!! less
OUR FAMILY
updated 2 hours, 34 minutes ago

TO DOMS FAMILY,
WE WISH TO EXPRESS OUR SYMPATHY IN THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVED ONE AND, HOW HE DID TOUCH OUR LIFES BY MAKING US LAUGH . HE DID THIS FOR MANY PEOPLE AND WITHOUT LAUGHTER THE WORLD WOULD BE A VERY BORING PLACE. SO THANK GOD FOR HIM. HE WAS ONE OF THE GREATS.

TO DOMS FAMILY,
WE WISH TO EXPRESS OUR SYMPATHY IN THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVED ONE AND, HOW HE DID TOUCH OUR LIFES BY MAKING US LAUGH . HE DID THIS FOR MANY PEOPLE AND WITHOUT LAUGHTER THE WORLD WOULD BE A VERY BORING PLACE. SO THANK GOD FOR HIM. HE WAS ONE OF THE GREATS. less
Steven
updated 2 hours, 34 minutes ago

Not mentioned in the story is a small but crucial role Dom played in the intense Henry Fonda flick called Fail-Safe.

Not mentioned in the story is a small but crucial role Dom played in the intense Henry Fonda flick called Fail-Safe. less
Greg
updated 2 hours, 34 minutes ago

I met Dom in CA many, many years ago. He was a friendly, genuine sort of guy. I'm sorry to read of his passing.

I met Dom in CA many, many years ago. He was a friendly, genuine sort of guy. I'm sorry to read of his passing. less
Teraysa
updated 2 hours, 34 minutes ago

My heart is heavy, my breath is gone, and my eyes are filled with tears. What a true loss to the world. One of the funniest if not THE funniest people in world history is now another star in the skies above us. To thi ...more

My heart is heavy, my breath is gone, and my eyes are filled with tears. What a true loss to the world. One of the funniest if not THE funniest people in world history is now another star in the skies above us. To this wonderful man's family, I am sorry for your loss, to the world, I am sorry for your loss too. I only wish more people in the world could leave a mark on this earth like this man did in so many hearts of past and present, and the future who will only know him by screen and books. Shine on Dom, shine on! less
CAROL
updated 3 hours, 7 minutes ago

I LOVED THIS MAN, I THINK I LOVED HIM MOST WHEN HE APPEARED ON THE DEAN MARTIN ROAST. HE JUST MADE YOU CRACK UP EVERY SECOND. HE WAS ONE OF THE GREATS. HE WILL BE MISSED. R.I.P. DOM .

I LOVED THIS MAN, I THINK I LOVED HIM MOST WHEN HE APPEARED ON THE DEAN MARTIN ROAST. HE JUST MADE YOU CRACK UP EVERY SECOND. HE WAS ONE OF THE GREATS. HE WILL BE MISSED. R.I.P. DOM . less
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