Net Worth Ranker
What Is Dom DeLuise’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death on May 4, 2009, Dom DeLuise, the multifaceted American actor, voice actor, comedian, producer, director, chef, and author, had a net worth estimated at $9 million. This figure reflects his extensive and varied career, which spanned several decades and encompassed numerous successful projects across different entertainment mediums.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on August 1, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, to Italian-American parents Jennie and John DeLuise, Dom DeLuise’s early life provided the foundation for his diverse career. He grew up with his older siblings, Nicholas and Antoinette. DeLuise attended Manhattan’s High School of Performing Arts, nurturing his talents from a young age. After graduating, he pursued higher education at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, majoring in biology, a path that initially seemed far removed from the entertainment world. His upbringing in the Roman Catholic faith also played a role in shaping his values and character.
DeLuise’s professional journey began at the age of 18 with a paid stage debut in the drama “Bernie’s Christmas Wish.” His commitment to his craft led him to the Cleveland Play House, where he served as a stage manager and actor from 1952 to 1954. This early experience provided him with a solid understanding of theater production and performance, setting the stage for his future success.
In 1961, DeLuise’s career gained momentum with his appearance in the off-Broadway musical revue “Another Evening with Harry Stoons.” Although the play had a short run, lasting only nine previews and one performance, it featured a young Barbra Streisand, marking an early milestone in both of their careers. The same year, he also participated in the off-Broadway play “All in Love,” which premiered at the Martinique Theatre in November and enjoyed a run of 141 performances. These early stage roles helped him hone his comedic skills and build a reputation as a versatile performer.
Throughout the early 1960s, DeLuise continued to expand his theatrical repertoire with roles in plays such as “Half-Past Wednesday,” “Around the World in 80 Days,” “The Student Gypsy,” and “Here’s Love.” While known primarily for his comedic roles, he also took on dramatic parts, demonstrating his range as an actor. One such role was in the 1964 film “Fail-Safe,” where he played a technical sergeant. Additionally, he was a regular performer on the television show “The Entertainers,” further broadening his exposure to a wider audience.
In 1966, DeLuise secured a supporting role in the Doris Day film “The Glass Bottom Boat.” Although the film itself was not a major success, DeLuise’s performance garnered praise from “The New York Times,” highlighting his comedic talent and ability to stand out even in less successful projects.
Film and Television Career
Dom DeLuise’s friendship with Burt Reynolds led to numerous collaborations in the 1970s and 1980s, significantly contributing to his visibility and net worth. Their joint appearances in films such as “The Cannonball Run,” “Cannonball Run II,” “Smokey and the Bandit II,” “The End,” and “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” were box-office successes and cemented DeLuise’s status as a comedic actor.
From 1991 to 1992, DeLuise hosted the television show “Candid Camera,” a role that showcased his ability to connect with audiences and deliver lighthearted humor. He also had a recurring role in “Burke’s Law” from 1993 to 1995, further expanding his television credits.
DeLuise’s distinctive voice made him a sought-after voice actor for animated films. He lent his voice to numerous characters in films by Don Bluth, including “The Secret of NIMH,” “An American Tail,” “A Troll in Central Park,” and “All Dogs Go to Heaven.” He also voiced Fagin in the Walt Disney film “Oliver & Company,” a role that showcased his versatility as a voice actor. The financial specifics of these voice acting roles are not publicly available, but they undoubtedly contributed to his overall earnings.
Dom DeLuise’s frequent appearances on “The Dean Martin Show” were a significant boost to his career. His specialty act, which involved a magic act gone wrong, became a popular segment, leading to regular appearances on the show. This exposure helped him land his own hour-long comedy variety series for CBS in 1968, titled “The Dom DeLuise Show.” Taped in Miami at The Jackie Gleason Theater, the show featured many of the regular Gleason show cast members, such as The June Taylor Dancers and The Sammy Spear Orchestra. The success of “The Dom DeLuise Show” led to his own sitcom, “Lotsa Luck,” which aired from 1973 to 1974.
Another significant aspect of DeLuise’s career was his collaboration with Mel Brooks. He appeared in several of Brooks’ films, including “The Twelve Chairs,” “Blazing Saddles,” “Silent Movie,” “History of the World, Part I,” “Spaceballs,” and “Robin Hood: Men in Tights.” These roles showcased his comedic timing and ability to bring characters to life, further solidifying his reputation as a comedic actor.
In addition to his film and television work, DeLuise also performed in comedic operettas. He played the jailer Frosch in the comedic operetta “Die Fledermaus” at the Metropolitan Opera, reprising the role in four different revivals between December 1989 and January 1996. He also portrayed L’Opinion Publique in drag for the Los Angeles Opera’s production of Offenbach’s “Orpheus in the Underworld.” These performances demonstrated his versatility and willingness to take on unconventional roles.
DeLuise also appeared as a regular contributor on the syndicated home improvement radio show “On the House with The Carey Brothers,” where he shared culinary tips and cooking advice. This further showcased his culinary expertise and broadened his appeal to a diverse audience.
Culinary Career and Literary Works
Dom DeLuise was also a passionate cook and authored several cookbooks. While specific sales figures for his cookbooks are not publicly available, their popularity contributed to his overall income and net worth. He also authored seven children’s books, expanding his creative output beyond the culinary world.
Personal Life and Family
In 1964, while working in a summer theater in Provincetown, Massachusetts, Dom DeLuise met actress Carol Arthur. They married in 1965 and had three sons – Peter DeLuise, Michael DeLuise, and David DeLuise – all of whom became actors. The success of his sons in the entertainment industry added to the family’s collective earnings and net worth. While the individual financial details of his sons are not factored into Dom DeLuise’s net worth, their success reflects the family’s strong presence and influence in the entertainment world.
Dom DeLuise passed away on May 4, 2009, in his sleep due to kidney failure at a hospital in Santa Monica, California, at the age of 75. Prior to his death, he had been battling cancer for over a year and was also suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes. The medical expenses associated with his illnesses may have impacted his estate, but the exact figures are not publicly available. Following his death, tributes were paid by Burt Reynolds and Mel Brooks, highlighting his impact on the entertainment industry and the personal connections he formed throughout his career.
The $9 million net worth attributed to Dom DeLuise at the time of his death reflects the culmination of his diverse and successful career. While specific details of his earnings from individual projects and investments are not publicly available, his extensive filmography, television appearances, voice acting roles, cookbooks, and other ventures all contributed to his financial standing.
