Actor Wings Hauser, known for his roles in “Vice Squad” and “The Young and the Restless,” dies at age 78 with his wife honoring his memory.

The father of Yellowstone actor Cole Hauser has died aged 78.

Prolific character actor Wings Hauser passed away over the weekend in the arms of his fourth wife Cali Lili Hauser. He died from natural causes.

In an Instagram statement, she announced that movie icon Wings Hauser passed away in the presence of his film and music partner, Cali Lili Hauser, at their studio over the weekend.

Wings Hauser, born in Hollywood, was a proud member of the Academy and the son of Academy Award-winning writer, director, and producer Dwight A. Hauser, and his loving mother Geraldine T. Hauser. Hauser had a unique and illustrious career that spanned 58 years in movies, television, and music, collaborating with some of the greatest artists in the industry and earning their admiration.

His recent and upcoming projects, as well as his dying wish, involve passing the torch to his partner, Cali, entrusting her to carry on their work, embodying their partnership, continuing their love story, and honoring his legacy.

Wings – born Gerald Dwight Hauser – was once dubbed ‘the biggest star you’ve never heard of’ due to appearing in more than 100 film and television productions since 1967.

The father of Yellowstone actor Cole Hauser has died aged 78 – Wings Hauser pictured 1975

Hauser, 49, who plays Rip Wheeler , is the son of Wings and his second wife Cass Warner Sperling

He played ‘Ramrod’ in 1982 film, Vice Squad – pictured with Season Hubley

His most famous film role was as Ramrod in 1982’s Vice Squad alongside Gary Swanson and Season Hubley.

He also had a supporting turn in Norman Mailer’s 1987 film Tough Guys Don’t Dance, in which Ryan O’Neal and Isabella Rossellini starred – and landed an Independent Spirit Award nomination.

Cole, 49, followed in his acting footsteps and is known for his acclaimed role as Rip Wheeler in Yellowstone.

Hauser also has a daughter, Bright Hauser, from his first marriage to Jane Boltinhouse which ended in 1973 after three years.

He was married to Cole’s mom Cass Warner from 1974-1977. After their divorce, Cole lived with his mother and previously said in a 2021 interview that he didn’t know who his dad was until he was ‘nine or 10 years old.’

He told Cowboys & Indians magazine: ‘Yeah. I saw him on TV, and I didn’t know he was my dad. I waited for the finish of the film, and I saw Wings Hauser [in the credits]. So, I went into my mom’s room, and I said, “Hey mom. I just saw a guy on TV, his name’s Wings Hauser.” 

‘And she looked at me and went: “Wow!” And I said, “Yeah, I saw this guy.” And she goes, “Yeah, well, let’s talk about that.” And so, she explained to me who he was. And that’s how I found out about my dad.’

Cole reconnected with his dad in his teens and said Wings was a ‘huge fan’ of Yellowstone and ‘obviously very proud of what I’ve done in it. He’s an old cowboy, after all. 

‘Our family, the Hauser side of the family, are all Montanans. So, it’s very close to him. We have family in Helena and Livingstone and all over the state.’

Wings was wed Nancy Locke from 1979-1999.

He wed fourth and final wife Cali in 2002. 

Hauser had a recurring role in soap opera The Young and the Restless as Greg Foster first appearing on the show in 1977. He reprised the role for three episodes in 2010. 

Hauser’s final acting credit was a 2010 episode of Criminal Minds. 

His beloved wife broke her silence in a statement this week

Cole is pictured with mom Cass Warner 

Hauser is pictured dressing up in 1982

He wed third wife Nancy Locke in 1979 and divorced in 1999 – pictured 1983

Wings is pictured with fourth wife Cali in 2007

He also had a supporting turn in Norman Mailer’s 1987 film Tough Guys Don’t Dance – and landed an Independent Spirit Award nomination.

He starred alongside Frances Fisher in 1991 thriller, Frame Up 

Wings is seen in TV movie Command Five in 1985

Cali added to Variety in an emotional statement: ‘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 with original soundtrack like our most recent award winning release ‘Eve N’ God; This Female Is Not Yet Rated.

‘He said that I was his future and even though I am a feminist, I found my perfect partner in this man and was happy/proud to be building something together. I never thought I would ever get married or have a partner until I met Wings. 

‘Of course it’s much harder now, but 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.’