I've known Dom Deluise since 1979. I was first cast as an extra in the first movie he directed called "Hot Stuff". It was based on a real life scenario of a sting operation in Washington DC. However the movie was turned into a comedy. It was your typical Dom Deluise movie, featuring many of the actors and actresses seen in Burt Reynolds movies. After a few weeks, I was recast into a stunt  role as a good guy fighting the bad guys, then I turned around on the next day and played a mafia hit man fighting the good guys. My big scene was sliding down a buffet line of food, trying to beat up  Jerry Reed. I certainly got paid alot more, even got my Screen Actors Guild card. But through the months we shot, I got to know a little about Dom. He was an incredibly outgoing man, just as funny off the screen as well as a family man. His wife and kids were always around the set. About 10 years ago, Dom made an special appearance at Dollywood. I went there to re-introduce myself since I hadn't seen him in many years. He remembered me right off, with no introductions. It was a special moment. I didn't know Dom very well, but one thing is for sure I won't forget some of the classic movies he was in.

Your thoughts?

 Alan