Early life, family, educational background
American television director and actor, David Dominick DeLuise was born on 11 November 1971, in Burbank, California USA. He grew up around his father’s friends, Burt Reynolds, Carl Reiner, Anne Bancroft and Mel Brooks. He has a mixed American, German and Italian heritage. His mother is of German and Italian descent, and his paternal grandparents were Italian.
Family’s personal life
His father is American comedian, producer, voice actor, actor, author and chef, Dominick “Dom” DeLuise. He starred in several Mel Brooks-directed films, as a voice actor in numerous films by Don Bluth, and a series of films with his career-long best friend, actor Burt Reynolds.
Dom passed away at Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California on 4 May 2009 from kidney failure at the age of 75, having fought a losing battle against cancer for over a year. He appeared in over 125 television shows and films, and on various talk and comedy shows. He was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for his comedy series, “Lota Luck!” In 1974 he appeared in the western film “Blazing Saddles,” which was nominated for an Academy Award, and in 1981 in the action-comedy, “The Cannonball Run.” His long-time friends, Mel Brooks and Burt Reynolds paid tribute to him in the Los Angeles Times after his passing.
David’s mother is retired American actress, Carol Arthur (neé Arata), mostly known for her supporting roles in Mel Brooks-produced films.
Her most memorable part was in Mel Brooks’ “Blazing Saddles” as Harriett Johnson, the outspoken town school teacher – from that role, the line ‘You are the leading asshole in the state!’ is most often quoted. From the mid-1970s to the mid-2000s, she guest-starred in several television shows.
David has two brothers – Peter John DeLuise is a pianist, director, screenwriter, actor and producer, best known for his role in the Fox television series, “21 Jump Street” as Officer Doug Penhall. He is also recognized for writing and directing science-fiction series’ episodes, especially for the “Stargate” franchise. Michael DeLuise is a film producer, film director and actor. David’s godparents are Anne Bancroft and Mel Brooks.
Career
Before joining the acting world, David worked as a clerk in a frozen-yoghurt shop, in carpentry, and did house painting.
Television Series
In 1990 he guest starred as Stevenson in “21 Jump Street.” His character was the only non-relative of the family, as his father and brothers also appeared in the series, but portrayed family members. He then played alongside John Lithgow as Bug Pollone in “3rd Rock from the Sun” from 1996 to 2001. From 1998 to 1999, he was series regular Darren Warner, Jesse Warner’s brother, in “Jesse”, playing opposite Christina Applegate in the first season of the NBC series. Following right on, in 1999 to 2000 he voiced Sergeant Francis Brutto in “Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles.”
In 2004, he guest-appeared in two episodes of “Gilmore Girls” as T.J.’s brother, played by his brother Michael, and was a recurring character in the show from the fourth through to the seventh and final season. From 2004-2005, David played Pete Shanahan in “Stargate SG-1,” which his father and both brothers have all guest appeared in. On several episodes, his brother, Peter, was a regular creative consultant and director.
From 2007 to 2012, David played Jerry Russo in the Disney Channel series “Wizards of Waverly Place,” starring Selena Gomez, the father of Justin (David Henrie), Alex (Selena Gomez) and Max (Jake T. Austin), and the husband of Theresa (Maria Canals-Barrera), appearing in all 91 episodes as the former wizard and family patriarch.
As a child, Jerry was forced to give up his magical powers when his brother became the designated family wizard after surpassing him in the Wizard Competition.
Jerry opened a Waverly Place Sub Shop and ran it with his wife; when not managing the Sub Shop, he teaches his children how to control their powers and efficiently use magic. He also directed a handful of episodes starting with 2009’s “My Tutor, Tutor.” He had further guest appearances as Charlie Connor in “Grey’s Anatomy” in 2012, and as Brad Weiss in “Hawaii Five-O” in 2014. He has directed episodes of Disney’s “Lab Rats” and Nickelodeon’s “See Dad Run,” “How to Rock” and “The Thundermans.”
Movies
David starred as Rogie, the younger version of his father’s character, Roger in the television movie “Happy” when he was just eight-years-old in 1983, appearing alongside both of his parents and his brothers.
In 1993 he played a villager in “Robin Hood: Men in Tights,” an intern in 1995’s “Dracula: Dead and Loving It”, and a bouncer in “Kicking and Screaming.” He played alongside his daughter, Riley, as Peter Angelo in 1998’s “Too Smooth”, then Sly in “Dirt Merchant” and Allen Doyle in “Terror Tract” in 1999 and 2000 respectively. His first leading role was as Ted Davis in 2003’s “BachelorMan” opposite Missi Pyle and Mark Parra.
In 2009 he was Jerry Russo in “Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie” a role he reprised in 2013’s “The Wizards Return: Alex vs Alex.” He played Fisherman Sculley in “Vampires Suck” in 2010, and in 2016 appeared as Tom Blackhorn in “Believe”, and Steven in “Pup Star.”
Personal life
In September 1994 he married Brigitte, but they divorced in August 2003 after having two daughters together, Riley DeStefano DeLuise born on 4 August 1993, and Dylan DeLuise in 1998. He reportedly dated American producer and actress, Sharon Stone – in 2014, they were seen taking a walk together, and were photographed kissing in West Hollywood, outside Hugo’s Restaurant. Unfortunately, their relationship ended a few months later.
In 2015 he began dating German director, actress and voiceover actress, Julia Stoepel and they married on 17 October 2019. They currently live in Los Angeles, California.
Appearance
He has brown hair and brown eyes, is 5ft 10ins (1.78m) tall and weighs around 187lbs (85kgs).
Net worth and salary
As of early 2020, his net worth is estimated at $10 million.