Wings Hauser, known for his extensive film and television career, passed away on March 15, 2025, at the age of 77. Born on December 12, 1947, his passing was announced by his wife, Cali Lili Hauser, on Instagram on March 19.

His wife wrote, “Movie icon Wings Hauser took flight in the arms of his film & music partner, Cali Lili Hauser at their studio this weekend,” accompanied by a photograph of them with their dog in Carmel, California.

Gerald Dwight Hauser, known professionally as Wings, was born in Los Angeles, California. His father, Dwight A. Hauser, was an Academy Award-winning writer, director, and producer, while his mother was Geraldine T. Hauser. Before fully dedicating himself to acting, Hauser was involved in music, performing as a folk singer and busker in the 1970s. He released an album titled “Your Love Keeps Me Off the Streets” under the name “Wings Livinryte.”

Hauser’s career spanned 58 years, covering film, television, and music. He first appeared in the 1967 film “First to Fight” and gained prominence with his role as Greg Foster on the soap opera “The Young and the Restless” in 1977, a role he reprised in 2010.

Throughout his career, Hauser was featured in over 100 film and television productions. He was known for his portrayal of the villainous pimp Ramrod in the 1982 film “Vice Squad,” alongside Gary Swanson. His performance in the 1987 film “Tough Guys Don’t Dance” earned him an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Male.

His television appearances included roles on “Magnum, P.I.,” “The Fall Guy,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “Perry Mason,” “Roseanne,” “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “Kingpin,” “Bones,” and “Criminal Minds.” He also appeared in the 1999 critically acclaimed film “The Insider” with Al Pacino and Russell Crowe.

At the time of his death, Hauser was working on a documentary titled “Working Class Actor,” which chronicled his life and career.

In her Instagram post, Cali Lili Hauser shared her plans to continue the documentary in honor of her husband’s legacy. She asked fans to support their sustainable indie film and music studio, Cali Lili Indies, instead of sending flowers or cards.

Hauser’s personal life involved several marriages. He is survived by his wife, Cali Lili Hauser. Together, they established a sanctuary for marine life and butterflies.

Hauser had a daughter, Bright Hauser, from his first marriage to Jane Boltinhouse. Their marriage lasted three years, ending in 1973, and Hauser was granted sole custody of their daughter.

He also had a son, Cole Hauser, from his second marriage to Cass Warner, which lasted from 1974 to 1977. After their separation, Cole remained with his mother and only learned about his father’s identity when he was around nine or ten years old.

Cole Hauser has followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming an established actor, currently known for his role as Rip Wheeler on the series “Yellowstone.”

Hauser was married to Nancy Locke from 1979 to 1999.

In recent years, Hauser had been dealing with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), although his wife reported he died of natural causes.

Cali Lili Hauser’s Instagram tribute emphasized Wings’ commitment to his career and the respect he garnered within the industry. She mentioned how he arrived in Hollywood “with thirty dollars and a box of pampers” as a single father and built his career through “hard work and dedication.”

The entertainment sector has lost a versatile performer whose career demonstrated persistence and a passion for acting. From his early musical pursuits to his achievements in soap operas and notable film roles, Wings Hauser leaves behind a significant body of work spanning nearly six decades.