Carol Arthur,hollywood star in ‘Blazing Saddles’ and Wife of Dom DeLuise, Dies at 85
The actress died on Sunday at at the Mary Pickford House at the Motion Picture & Television Fund home in Woodland Hills, her family told The Hollywood Reporter.
Carol Arthur, an actress best known for her several collaborations with Mel Brooks including “Blazing Saddles,” has died, Variety has confirmed. She was 85.
She appeared in the 1974 comedy “Blazing Saddles,” directed by Brooks, as the schoolmistress Harriett Johnson. Arthur also held roles in three more films helmed by Brooks: 1976’s “Silent Movie,” “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” in 1993 and 1995’s “Dracula: Dead and Loving It.”
She had battled Alzheimer’s disease for 11 years. The star was a long time collaborator with writer and director Mel Brooks, appearing in Blazing Saddles as Harriett Johsnon and three other of his films. She also appeared in Silent Movie, Robin Hood: Men In Tights and Dracula: Dead and Loving It.
Hackensack, NJ on August 4, 1935 Born in, Arthur first met her husband-to-be actor, actor Dom Deluise, in 1964 while working on theater productions. The two married a year later and shared three sons: Peter, Michael and David, who all made a career in acting.
Arthur’s first acting appearances were as herself on 10 episodes of “The Dom DeLuise Show” in 1968 and five episodes of “It Takes Two” in 1969. After acting in “Blazing Saddles,” Arthur went on to appear in 1979’s “Hot Stuff,” “The Princess and the Dwarf,” “Driving Me Crazy,” “The Godson” and “Between the Sheets.” On television, she held small roles on shows like “Rhoda,” “Alice,” “What’s Happening,” “St. Elsewhere” and “Sanford and Son.” Her last role was as a guest star on the TV series “7th Heaven” as Gertrude Fleming in 2004.
In a statement Mel said: ‘She was my lifelong friend and she will be missed.’ Carol was married to actor Dom DeLuise from 1965 until his death in 2009.
Arthur and DeLuise were married until he died in 2009 of kidney failure after a battle with cancer.
Brooks paid tribute to Arthur via Twitter on Monday, writing: “Sad to hear of Carol Arthur’s passing. She was so great in ‘Blazing Saddles’ as Harriett Johnson the over-the-top, outspoken schoolmarm. She will be missed.”
Arthur’s son, David DeLuise, known for his role in Disney’s “Wizards of Waverly Place,” penned a sweet message to his mother on Instagram. “Thank you for being the best mom in the world. You are free now. I will miss you and love you forever. Give Dad a big hug and a kiss from me. Thank you for your wisdom and unconditional love. And thank you for giving your gift. We were all so Lucky and blessed to have you.”
Born Carol Jane Arata, she started out on the stage performing in musicals such as On The Town and High Spirits. The star starred opposite Dick Van Dyke in The Music Man and Lauren Bacaall in Woman Of The Year, both in the 80s.
Carol worked frequently with husband Dom including in The Dom DeLuise Show in 1968, Driving Me Crazy in 1991 and Between The Sheets in 2003, which was directed by their son Michael. Another recent credit is the 2004 TV series 7th Heaven, playing Gertrude Fleming. She is survived by sons Michael, Peter and David, three grandchildren and her brother George.
