Hollywood has lost another legendary talent as actor Wings Hauser passed away on March 15, 2025, at the age of 77. Hauser, famous for his roles in Vice Squad and The Young and the Restless, died at his home in Santa Monica after a prolonged battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). His daughter, Bright Hauser, confirmed the news.
Born Gerald Dwight Hauser on December 12, 1947, in Los Angeles, Wings grew up in a Hollywood family, the son of Academy Award-winning writer and producer Dwight A. Hauser and Geraldine T. Hauser. The family left Los Angeles when he was eight due to the influence of McCarthyism on his father’s career. It was during his high school years that he earned the nickname "Wings" while playing as a wingback on the football team.
Hauser launched his acting career with a small role in the 1967 film First to Fight at the age of 18. However, he didn’t rise to fame until 1977 when he joined the cast of The Young and the Restless as lawyer Greg Foster. This role became a stepping stone that propelled him into mainstream recognition. He remained with the show until 1981 before pursuing a successful film career.
His performances often included complex and gritty portrayals in films such as Vice Squad, Tough Guys Don’t Dance, and Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling, solidifying him as a formidable presence in both film and television. Among his numerous roles, he is also known for appearances on acclaimed series like Beverly Hills, 90210, Murder, She Wrote, CSI, and Roseanne.
Wings' life and career were intertwined with his family; he is survived by his wife, Cali Lili Hauser, and two children, Bright and actor Cole Hauser, who gained fame for his role as Rip Wheeler on the hit series Yellowstone. In a heartfelt tribute, Bright described her father as "a force of nature, a storyteller, and an artist who left an indelible mark on the screen and in our hearts."
Cali shared that Wings passed away in her arms, emphasizing their deep connection both personally and creatively. In a statement provided to media outlets, she expressed, "We were children together; we played life every day, played music and wrote songs together every day in preparation for several upcoming albums, books, and a new movie." She also noted that he encouraged her to continue their shared creative projects, honoring his legacy.
Wings Hauser’s career spanned nearly six decades, and his versatility and passion earned him the respect of many in the industry. He was well-regarded for his ability to bring raw, complex characters to life. His bold performances drew acclaim, one of which included an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Male in Tough Guys Don’t Dance in 1987.
During his final days, Wings relied heavily on oxygen, but he remained dedicated to his craft until the end. His passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues alike. Rusty Cundieff, who directed Hauser in Tales From The Hood, recalled his colleague: "Wings Hauser RIP. One hell of an actor who was in my film, played a racist cop so believable that some crew members thought he was one. Nothing could have been further from the truth! Good man, and a great actor, who gave it all."
Many remembered Wings not just for his roles but also for his presence off-screen. Another fan commented, "Even when the movies he starred in were not great, he always managed to be entertaining." Others like casting director Anne McCarthy remembered him as a "walking stick of dynamite who never met a scene he couldn't make dangerous. No small parts, only small actors, and few were ever bigger than Wings."
In an emotional final tribute, Bright summed up the sentiments of many, saying, "Today, we don’t just mourn his passing; we celebrate the extraordinary life he lived. We remember his laughter, his passion, and the countless performances that will keep his spirit alive for generations to come." Wings Hauser undoubtedly leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire many actors in the industry. His fearless creativity and dynamic performances remain a testament to his impactful career.
As Wings' family and fans remember him, they also look forward to celebrating his life through upcoming projects. As Cali noted, "I’m going to fulfill his wishes that I ‘continue the work’ and fulfill all the projects we set up to do in the next few years." Wings Hauser's artistic vision will undoubtedly endure beyond his passing, continuing to resonate with both film and music lovers for years to come.
