Dom DeLuise, the portly funnyman whose star shined in comedies such as Cannonball Run, Spaceballs and Blazing Saddles, died Monday in a Los Angeles hospital at the age of 75 according to Entertainment Tonight.
While we do not know the cause of death, we do know DeLuise had battled prostate cancer in the past although he said in a Dec. 28 interview with ET that he was feeling much better after being declared cancer-free.
"I'm still here, I'm 75 and I feel so blessed," he said.
With a large face offset by pinch-able cheeks, the affable New York-born comic plied his craft in a self-deprecating manner throughout a string of successful comedies including: The Muppet Movie, History of the World: Part I, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Johnny Dangerously and Robin Hood: Men in Tights.
Burt Reynolds -- who starred with DeLuise -- in several movies issued this statement on the passing of his long-time friend:
"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 told ET.
DeLuise leaves behind a wife -- actress Carol Arthur -- and three sons: actor, writer, director Peter DeLuise, actor David DeLuise and Michael DeLuise.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been made public. (Photo: WENN)
