Wings Hauser, the celebrated actor known for his roles in *The Young and the Restless* and a variety of other iconic TV shows and films, passed away on March 15 at the age of 78. Hauser, who also gained fame as the father of *Yellowstone* star Cole Hauser, died of natural causes, his wife, Cali Lili Hauser, confirmed.
Born Gerald Dwight “Wings” Hauser in Hollywood, he came from a family with deep roots in the entertainment industry. His father, Dwight A. Hauser, was an Academy Award-winning writer, director, and producer, and his mother, Geraldine T. Hauser, provided the nurturing foundation that propelled Wings into a legendary Hollywood career.
Wings’ impressive resume spanned 58 years, with his breakthrough role in *The Young and the Restless* in 1977 as Greg Foster becoming one of his most memorable performances. He briefly returned to the soap opera in 2010, cementing his status as a household name in daytime television. Hauser’s time on *Y&R* was just the beginning of a prolific TV career that included stints on shows like *Magnum, P.I.*, *The Fall Guy*, *Murder, She Wrote*, *Perry Mason*, *Roseanne*, and *Beverly Hills 90210*. His most recent appearance was in an episode of *Criminal Minds* in 2010.
But Hauser’s talents didn’t stop at television. He also made a significant mark on the big screen, with notable roles in films like *Vice Squad* (1982), *Tough Guys Don’t Dance* (1987), and *The Insider* (1999), alongside Hollywood heavyweights like Al Pacino and Russell Crowe. His versatile career made him a respected figure in Hollywood, known for his ability to take on both heroic and villainous roles with equal aplomb.
Despite his fame, Hauser remained grounded in his passion for film and music, and his personal life reflected his deep commitment to both his family and his craft. His wife, Cali Lili Hauser, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media following his passing, describing him as a “movie icon” whose legacy spanned decades. In her post, she praised her husband for his contributions to Hollywood and music, noting that he had worked alongside some of the greatest artists in the industry and earned their respect.
Cali also shared a moving message about her husband’s final wishes, explaining that Wings wanted her to continue their shared work and honor their legacy. “His living wish was 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,” she wrote.
In a touching gesture, the Hauser family asked that in lieu of flowers or cards, supporters contribute to Wings’ ongoing projects, including the sustainable indie film and music studio he and Cali had built, as well as the sea-life and butterfly sanctuary they had hand-crafted together.
Wings Hauser’s son, Cole, recently spoke about his father’s influence on his own career, especially in relation to his role as Rip Wheeler on *Yellowstone*. “Persist until you succeed,” Cole recalled his father advising him, speaking to the resilience and determination that shaped both their careers. “You’re gonna get knocked down in this business. You’re gonna be told ‘no’ a lot, but just keep following your dreams.”
Wings Hauser’s legacy is undeniable, from his television and film roles to the way he shaped the careers of those who followed in his footsteps. His family and fans will forever remember the man who was as much a legend behind the camera as he was on screen.
