American entertainer and comedian Dom DeLuise was born on August 1, 1933 in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Back in the 70s and 80s DeLuise often co-starred in films with Burt Reynolds.
He and Reynolds had voice roles in the 1989 animated film All Dogs Go to Heaven.
DeLuise’s brilliant career was anchored by his rare, infectious ability to make his fellow actors break character on screen, a comedic superpower that turned his collaborations with Burt Reynolds into box-office gold. Their legendary blooper reels—particularly in hits like The Cannonball Run and Smokey and the Bandit II—pioneered the inclusion of mid-credit outtakes, showing audiences the genuine, chaotic friendship behind the characters. Beyond his dynamic presence in front of the camera, DeLuise was a deeply passionate gourmet chef and author who released multiple cookbooks, often stating that bringing people together over a home-cooked Italian meal was just as fulfilling as making a theater full of strangers burst into laughter.
Image by Allan Warren via Wikimedia Commons
