If you are a fan of comedy movies, you might have heard of the name Dom DeLuise. He was a legendary actor and comedian who starred in many films by Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder, as well as a series of collaborations with his friend Burt Reynolds. He was also a chef, an author, and a voice actor for several animated films.
But did you know that he had three sons who followed his footsteps into the entertainment industry? One of them is David DeLuise, who is best known for playing Jerry Russo, the father of the wizard siblings on Disney Channel’s hit show Wizards of Waverly Place. But how much do you know about David DeLuise and his relationship with his famous father? Here are some facts that you might not know.
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David DeLuise’s Early Life and Career
David DeLuise was born on November 11, 1971, in Burbank, California. He is the youngest of three sons of Dom DeLuise and Carol Arthur, who was also an actress. His godparents were Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft, two of the most influential filmmakers in Hollywood history.
David grew up in a showbiz family, and he made his acting debut at the age of eight, alongside his father in the comedy film Hot Stuff. He also appeared with his father and brothers in several TV shows, such as The Dom DeLuise Show, Happy, and 21 Jump Street.
David’s first leading role came in 2003 with BachelorMan, where he played a womanizer who falls in love with his neighbor. He also had recurring roles in 3rd Rock from the Sun, Stargate SG-1, and Gilmore Girls. He is also known for voicing Coop on the animated show Megas XLR and Sergeant Brutto on Roughnecks: Starship Troopers Chronicles.
David DeLuise’s Breakthrough Role on Wizards of Waverly Place
David DeLuise’s most famous role to date is Jerry Russo, the former wizard and owner of a sandwich shop who teaches his three children how to use magic on Wizards of Waverly Place. The show ran from 2007 to 2012 and won three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Children’s Program.
David DeLuise not only acted on the show but also directed several episodes, starting with “My Tutor, Tutor” in 2009. He also reprised his role in the Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie, which aired on Disney Channel in 2009 and attracted over 25 million viewers.
David DeLuise said that he loved working on the show and that he felt like a real father to the young cast members, Selena Gomez, David Henrie, and Jake T. Austin. He also said that he learned a lot from his father about comedy and acting, and that he tried to pass it on to his TV kids.
David DeLuise’s Relationship with His Father Dom DeLuise
David DeLuise had a close bond with his father Dom DeLuise, who was his mentor and inspiration. He said that his father was always supportive of his career choices and that he taught him how to be funny and kind.
David DeLuise also said that his father was a great cook and that he inherited his love for food from him. He said that his father used to make delicious meals for the family and that he often cooked with him on his cooking show, The Dom DeLuise Show.
Dom DeLuise passed away on May 4, 2009, at the age of 75, due to complications from kidney failure and cancer. David DeLuise said that he was devastated by his father’s death and that he missed him every day. He also said that he was proud of his father’s legacy and that he hoped to honor it with his own work.
David DeLuise’s Current Projects and Personal Life
David DeLuise has continued to work as an actor, director, producer, and podcaster after Wizards of Waverly Place ended. He has appeared in several TV shows and movies, such as A World Away, Shameless, NCIS, Loves Me Loves Me Not, Home Economics, Red Riding Hoods, The Rookie, Grandma for President (podcast), Gray Matter (sitcom), Velvet Prozak (TV series), Second Chances (movie), and 3 Buddies (movie).
David DeLuise was married to Brigitte DeLuise from 1994 to 2003. They have two daughters together: Riley DeLuise (born in 1998) and Dylan DeLuise (born in 2002). David is currently married to Julia Stoepel, a German actress, director, and voiceover artist. They tied the knot in 2019.
David DeLuise is active on social media platforms, such as Instagram and Twitter, where he shares his personal and professional updates with his fans. He also has a podcast with his former co-star Jennifer Stone, called Wizards of Waverly Pod, where they talk about their experience on the show Wizards of Waverly Place.
Conclusion
David DeLuise is a talented and versatile actor who has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry. He is also the son of Dom DeLuise, one of the most beloved comedians of all time. David DeLuise has inherited his father’s sense of humor and charisma, and he has also created his own style and identity. He is a proud member of the DeLuise family, and he is carrying on his father’s legacy with his own projects.
