Dom DeLuise: 1933-2009

Dom DeLuise, the ebullient 75-year-old actor who became known for his frequent collaborations with Mel Brooks, died earlier this week in his sleep after a long illness, according to his family.

DeLuise grew up in New York and went on to sculpt a 40-year Hollywood career that began by playing characters he created on television. Known for his restless animation and caustic lack of poise, DeLuise developed into a beloved side figure in movies like Blazing Saddles and, to a later generation, Robin Hood: Men in Tights. He was also an avid champion of culinary invention and published several books on cooking.

For an impression of his broad, generous, eminently likeable style, check out this semi-NSFW clip from Fatso (written and directed by Anne Bancroft), one of his biggest roles: