Dom DeLuise is a comedy legend, having had appeared in over seventy-five films and dozens of television appearances. He is also a very successful author having penned several children’s books and has reinvigorated his career as a cook, penning two successful cookbooks and a line of cooking videos. Mr, DeLuise also runs his website www.domdeluise.com and forcesofgood.com was fortunate to spend a few moments with him. What's funny to you?
Real life a little twisted. There's a thin line between very serious and hysterical.
How did you break into acting?
Slowly. The first job I had was as “Bernie the Dog." I was a dog who wanted to be Santa Claus, in “Bernie's Christmas Wish." I got $15 for each performance.
How did you become friends with and come to work with Mel Brooks?
I met Mel when I auditioned for Twelve Chairs. The audition lasted 4 1/2 hours, and Mel said, “If you play this part, we'll be friends, and if you don't play the part, we'll be friends anyway. That was 30 years ago and we still are.
4. You directed the 1979 cult film Hot Stuff. When can we see that on dvd and any chance of a cast reunion commentary?
That film was great fun to direct. Suzanne Pleshette and I are old friends, and if the cast gets together again for the DVD, I'll be the first one there.
You and Burt Reynolds have worked together on several occasions. How do you explain your unique chemistry?
Sometimes I finish his thoughts, and he finishes mine. On the “Tonight Show,” I did an imitation of Burt - it ended up with me on Johnny Carson's desk, pretending to pose nude. The next day I got a letter from Burt, hand-delivered, saying, “Dear Dom, Will you please leave me alone. Love, Burt,” and we've been friends since.
You have also done voice over work in An American Tail, All Dogs Go To Heaven, and The Secret of Nimh. How did you come to work with director Don Bluth?
He called me up and it took about 15 minutes into the meeting to know it was a match made in heaven. I loved working with him, now and always.
Do you have a favorite film that you've worked on?
The End with Burt Reynolds. But I also loved Best Little Whorehouse In Texas, with Dolly Parton and Burt.
You had the first celebrity cameo as Bernie the Agent in The Muppet Movie. What was it like to work with Kermit the Frog?
I have a lot of respect for Jim Henson. Kermit is very talented and wonderful, and Jim was a genius.
Are there any dream roles that you'd like to play?
I was recently offered one of my dream roles, in a porno film. I'm the only actor in it, and it's entitled, “Alone, At Last.”
Your sons are all involved in show business. Is that something that you dissuaded or encouraged?
Peter, Michael and David were interested and talented children who sprung up to these amazing talents. I admire and respect all three of them a great deal.
What are your seminal influences?
I'm greatly influenced by Jackie Gleason, who was my friend, Jack Benny, also my friend, and Anthony Hopkins, who I'm just getting to know.
Your web site focuses on your cooking. What's your favorite dish to prepare?
Pasta with white clam sauce. I do, however, use cheese, even though it's forbidden in Naples, Italy. I also use red-hot pepper flakes.
You've written several cook books and children's cooks. What drives you and what's next for Dom DeLuise?
I love writing, and because I'm dyslexic, it's a pleasure to be able to do it. Also, when I have people over for dinner, after they eat, I can sell them the cookbooks.
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