Wings Hauser, actor with over 100 film and TV credits, dies at 78

Wings Hauser the well-known actor, director, and musician has died. His death occurred less than a week ago on March 15 as reported by his wife when speaking to Variety. The actor perhaps best known for his role in The Young and Restless is said to have died of natural causes in Los Angeles. Hauser was 78 years old.

Hauser's wife eulogized her husband via a post shared on Instagram captioned:

“Movie icon Wings Hauser took flight in the arms of his film & music partner, Cali Lili Hauser at their studio this weekend. 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 & music working alongside many of the greatest artists in the industry and earning their respect.”

The statement continued,

“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. Wings asks movie and music lovers in lieu of flowers or cards that they please show ongoing support for current and future projects.”

His loss is sure to leave a significant void for many, and in lieu of that, it’s fitting to examine a retrospective view of a career and life well-lived.

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Who was Wings Hauser?

Wings Hauser was born in Hollywood, Los Angeles. His father, Dwight, was a well-known director and producer, but Wings did not pursue a career in film until later in life. He spent most of his twenties working as a folk musician until his situation became dire.

At one point in the 1970s Hauser was homeless with an infant child in tow. Several months of living in destitution with his child in a vacant garage spurred Wings to make a change and after a short stint releasing his music with RCA, that’s when he found acting.

Hauser first began to gain notice for his role on The Young and Restless. He remained on the show as a fixed cast member for 4 years, between 1977 and 1981, and even returned to the part decades later in 2010 as part of a three-episode appearance.

After his soap success, Wings turned heads with his first large-scale motion picture appearance in Vice Squad in 1982 and this cemented him as a true jack of all trades. Hauser even penned and sang the film's theme song, "Neon Slime".

Hauser would go on to appear in 41 subsequent TV series, and several film projects including Michael Mann’s 1999 The Insider, a credit that ostensibly would be the feather in his cap. Wings is survived by two children, Bright and Cole (who’s also a well-known actor), and his wife Cali Lili Hauser.