Wings Hauser dead at 78: Vice Squad and The Young and the Restless actor passes away as wife pays tribute

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

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

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

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

His beloved wife broke her silence in a statement this week

Cole is pictured with mom Cass Warner

Cole is pictured with mom Cass Warner 

Hauser is pictured dressing up in 1982

Hauser is pictured dressing up in 1982

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

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

Wings is pictured with fourth wife Cali in 2007

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 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

He starred alongside Frances Fisher in 1991 thriller, Frame Up 

Wings is seen in TV movie Command Five in 1985

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.’

You May Also Like
New: Supreme Court Hands Down Huge Ruling in Ohio 'Reverse Discrimination' Case

New Ruling from Supreme Court in Ohio Case of ‘Reverse Discrimination’

The Supreme Court handed down some pretty significant rulings on Thursday, with…
What is happening to job corps? Judge temporarily blocks Trump administration dismantling of program, including Chicago site

Federal judge temporarily halts Trump administration’s efforts to shut down Job Corps program, including facility in Chicago.

CHICAGO (WLS) — A federal judge in New York on Thursday issued…
Why Did Yulissa Leave ‘Love Island USA’? Everything We Know About The MAGA-Friendly Contestant’s Controversial Exit

Yulissa’s Departure from ‘Love Island USA’: All the Details on the MAGA-Supporting Contestant’s Exit

In Fiji, the competition on Love Island USA has intensified with 10…
Jimmy Buffett's 'upset and confused' widow locked in legal row over late singer's $275M fortune

Jimmy Buffett’s grieving widow involved in a legal dispute over the late singer’s $275 million estate

A legal battle is brewing over the estate of late singer Jimmy…
Illegal immigrant convicted in 100 mph DUI crash that killed Washington state trooper

Undocumented immigrant found guilty in high-speed DUI collision that led to the death of Washington state trooper

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Jurors in Washington state…
Trump signs bombshell travel ban restricting people from 19 countries from entering the US

Trump enforces significant travel restrictions preventing individuals from 19 countries from entering the United States

President Donald Trump is enacting a ban that prohibits visitors from 12…
Joe Rogan visibly annoyed as guest exposes a secret he hasn't even told his wife

“Joe Rogan’s Uncomfortable Moment: Guest Reveals Secret He Hasn’t Shared with His Wife”

Joe Rogan wasn’t impressed when a mentalist correctly guessed his PIN code –…
Bad Bunny video featuring Puerto Rican crested toad helps Brookfield Zoo Chicago's conservation efforts, officials tell ABC7

ABC7 reports officials stating Bad Bunny music video with Puerto Rican crested toad helps conservation at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

BROOKFIELD, Ill. (WLS) — A recent video from Puerto Rican music sensation…
Agroterrorism Fungus Smuggling Threatens Food Security

The risk of food security is increasing due to the smuggling of harmful fungi in agroterrorism situations

Last Updated on June 4, 2025 On June 3, 2025, the Justice…
Federal judge sides against Jewish students who sued UPenn over antisemitism

UPenn lawsuit ruling favors university in case brought by Jewish students regarding antisemitism

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A federal judge has…
EXCLUSIVE: 'Refugees in their own country': Samaritan's Purse steps into Israel's war zones with needed relief

Samaritan’s Purse Provides Essential Aid in Israel’s Conflict Areas

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! In a country facing…
The subtle red flags that 'disturbed' Hugh Jackman's ex... now she knows the truth was hiding in plain sight

Discovering the Hidden Signs That Raised Concern for Hugh Jackman’s Ex, Revealing the Truth

Hugh Jackman’s new lover Sutton Foster attempted to befriend his wife in…