Gerald “Wings” Hauser, a prolific character actor who appeared in more than 100 film and television productions, has died at the age of 77.
Hauser’s wife announced her husband’s death in an Instagram post Wednesday, March 19. Variety reported the actor died of natural causes.
“Movie icon Wings Hauser took flight in the arms of his film & music partner, Cali Lili Hauser at their studio this weekend,” the post reads.
“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 post 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 Hauser in publicity portrait for the film 'Vice Squad', 1982. Hauser died March 15 at the age of 78. (Photo by AVCO/Getty Images)Getty Images
Born in Hollywood, California on Dec. 12, 1947, Hauser was the son of Academy Award-winning writer, director and producer Dwight A. Hauser.
The actor made his on-screen debut in an uncredited role in 1967’s war drama “First to Fight.” Hauser’s numerous television and film roles included parts in “Magnum, P.I.,” “The Fall Guy,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “Perry Mason,” “Roseanne,” “Beverly Hills 90210,” “Kingpin,” “Bones” and “Criminal Minds.”
However, Hauser was best known for his recurring role as Greg Foster on “The Young and the Restless.” Hauser first appeared on the soap opera from 1977 returned for three episodes in 2010.
Meanwhile, Hauser’s most notable film roles include Ramrod in 1982’s “Vice Squad” and the tobacco lawyer in 1999’s “The Insider.”
Hauser also appeared in “Rubber” and “Tough Guys Don’t Dance,” for which he earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination for his supporting role. His last role was in a 2010 episode of “Criminal Minds.”
Wings was actively working on a documentary about his life and career called “Working Class Actor.” The official Instagram for the documentary posted a tribute to Wings as well.
“We are devastated over the great #WingsHauser passing," the post reads. ”All of us mourn the loss of a huge heart & soul larger even than his astonishing creative legacy. His contributions to the arts survive into eternity and our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends & fans. RIP."
In addition to his wife, Wings is survived by his daughter Bright Hauser and son Cole Hauser, who is also an actor.
He has starred in dozens of films and is known for portraying Officer Randy Willitz in “High Incident,” Ethan Kelly in “Rogue” and Rip Wheeler in “Yellowstone.”
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