We rarely get misty-eyed over the celebrity deaths, but yesterday’s passing of Dom DeLuise really got to us. That’s because he helped form our earliest impression of Ancient Roman decadence, with his turn as a gluttonous, Nero-like emperor in History of the World Part I. (Above; language slightly NSFW.) To this day, we can’t read about the Caesars’ exploits without envisioning Mr. DeLuise in all his porcine glory, requesting a “small lyre” and more wine as he moans over the loneliness of dictatorship.
Godspeed to you, Dom, and thanks for stirring our passion for ancient history. May there be more than enough fried mozzarella in Heaven to keep you sated for all eternity.
Stan // May 6, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Kinda sad looking at that clip and seeing Madeline Kahn and Gregory Hines both now gones.
Brendan I. Koerner // May 6, 2009 at 7:38 pm
@Stan: Indeed. Kahn, in particular, is brilliant in this flick–her scene with the Vestal Virgins is classic. She died far too young, as did Hines (who I remember oh-so-fondly from “Running Scared”).