Wings Hauser, a veteran character actor known for his roles in “Vice Squad’ and “The Young and the Restless,” has died at 78. He reportedly died of natural causes in his Los Angeles home.
“Movie icon Wings Hauser took flight in the arms of his film and music partner, Cali Lili Hauser, at their studio this weekend,” his wife Cali Lili Hauser said in a Instagram statement on Thursday. She went on to outline her husband’s life and career. “Born in Hollywood, proud Academy member and prouder son of Academy Award-winning writer, director, producer Dwight A. Hauser and loving mother Geraldine T. Hauser, Wings Hauser’s one of a kind, legendary career spanned 58 years in movies, TV and music, working alongside many of the greatest artists in the industry and earning their respect.”
She concluded her remarks by asking his fans and followers to wish him farewell through their support of his family’s independent works.
“His recent and upcoming releases along with his living wish is handing the torch to the love of his life, Cali, requesting she continue the work embodying their partnership, their love story and honoring his legacy,” she shared. “Wings asks movie and music lovers in lieu of flowers or cards that they please show ongoing support for current and future projects by the award-winning sustainable indie film and music studio, a sea-life and butterfly sanctuary hand-built by the Hausers (Cali Lili Indies ™️) Cali Lili Indies Pictures Words Music In Motion FeMt0 Studi0 releasing social / environmental justice themed films and songs, as well as monarch butterflies and the source of both title and Entertainment.”
Hauser was born in the Hollywood on Dec. 12, 1947. In 1967, he made his film debut at 18 in Christian Nyby’s “First to Fight.” However, Hauser isn’t invested more of his time in music during his younger years. Eight years later, he released his first album titled “Your Love Keeps Me Off the Streets,” and later earned his SAG-AFTRA card after starring in CBS’ detective series “Cannon.”
By 1977, Hauser nabbed a role as Greg Foster in the hit soap opera “The Young and the Restless” where he remained until 1981, when he was replaced by Howard McGillin. But he reprised the role in 2019 later for three episodes. Some of his other notable parts in TV were in “Murder, She Wrote,” “Roseanne,” “Criminal Minds” and “Perry Mason.”
Hauser’s best-known film role is as Ramrod in “Vice Squad.” He went on to star in several other movies, including “Hear No Evil,” “Homework,” “Tough Guys Don’t Dance” and “Who’ll Stop the Rain.” “Tough Guys Don’t Dance” earned him an Independent Spirit Award for supporting role as Captain Alvin Luther Regency.
He is survived by his wife Cali, and his son and daughter, Cole and Bright Hauser.
