His career kicked off in the late sixties with his turn in the Doris Day comedy, 'The Glass Bottom Boat,' also starring Rod Taylor.

The Italian-American actor was well known for his collaborations with his close friend Burt Reynolds in the 'Cannonball Run' films, 'Smokey and the Bandit II,' The End,' 'The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas'.

He also collaborated with Mel Brooks on a number of projects including 'Blazing Saddles,' 'Spaceballs,' as the voice of Pizza The Hut, 'Robin Hood: Men in Tights,' 'Silent Movie,' 'The Twelve Chairs' and 'History of the World, Part I.'

He voiced several animated works, including 'All Dogs Go To Heaven', 'The Secret of NIMH,' 'Oliver & Co.' and 'An American Tail.'

The actor, who loved to cook and eat almost as much as he enjoyed acting, also carved out a formidable second career later in life as a chef of fine cuisine.

Agent Robert Malcolm said DeLuise died on Monday at St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica. Malcolm said the family did not release the cause of death.

"He had high blood pressure, he had diabetes, he had lots of things," but seemed fine as recently as two weeks ago, said Malcolm. DeLuise entered the hospital on Friday. His wife and three sons were there when he died peacefully.

A family statement said: "It's easy to mourn his death but easier to remember a time when he made you laugh."

DeLuise was the father of actors Peter, David and Michael DeLuise with his wife, Carol Arthur.

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