Wings Hauser, a seasoned actor with numerous roles in film and television including “The Young and the Restless” and “Vice Squad,” passed away on March 15, 2025, at the age of 77. He was born on December 12, 1947. His wife, Cali Lili Hauser, announced his death via Instagram on Wednesday, March 19.
“Movie icon Wings Hauser took flight in the arms of his film & music partner, Cali Lili Hauser at their studio this weekend,” Cali wrote, sharing a photograph of them with their dog in Carmel, California.
Originally named Gerald Dwight Hauser, he was born in Los Angeles, California, into a family with artistic roots. His father, Dwight A. Hauser, was an Academy Award-winning writer, director, and producer, and his mother was Geraldine T. Hauser. Before fully dedicating himself to acting, Hauser pursued a career in music as a folk musician and busker in the 1970s, releasing an album titled “Your Love Keeps Me Off the Streets” under the name “Wings Livinryte.”
Hauser’s career spanned 58 years in movies, television, and music. He made his screen debut in the 1967 film “First to Fight” and achieved his breakthrough role in the soap opera “The Young and the Restless” in 1977, playing Greg Foster, a role he reprised in 2010.
Throughout his lengthy career, Hauser featured in over 100 film and television productions. He gained recognition for his role as the villainous pimp Ramrod in the 1982 thriller “Vice Squad,” alongside Gary Swanson, which established him as a notable character actor. His performance in the 1987 film “Tough Guys Don’t Dance” earned him an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Male.
Hauser’s television appearances included popular series such as “Magnum, P.I.,” “The Fall Guy,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “Perry Mason,” “Roseanne,” “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “Kingpin,” “Bones,” and “Criminal Minds.” His film work included the critically acclaimed 1999 movie “The Insider,” where he worked alongside Al Pacino and Russell Crowe.
At the time of his death, Hauser was working on a documentary about his life and career titled “Working Class Actor.”
In her Instagram post, Cali Lili Hauser expressed her intention to continue the project in honor of her late husband’s legacy. She also requested that instead of flowers or cards, fans support ongoing and future endeavors from their sustainable indie film and music studio, Cali Lili Indies.
Hauser’s personal life included multiple marriages. He is survived by his wife, Cali Lili Hauser, whom he married on June 12, 2012, though some sources state 2002. Together, they established a marine life and butterfly animal sanctuary.
Wings Hauser had a daughter, Bright Hauser, from his first marriage to Jane Boltinhouse, which lasted three years ending in 1973. Following their divorce, he was granted sole custody of his daughter.
He is also survived by his son, Cole Hauser, from his second marriage to Cass Warner, spanning from 1974 to 1977. After their separation, Cole lived with his mother and shared in a 2021 interview that he did not learn who his father was until he was around nine or ten years old.
Cole Hauser has followed his father’s career path, becoming a successful actor and currently starring as Rip Wheeler in the popular series “Yellowstone.”
Wings was also married to Nancy Locke from 1979 to 1999.
In recent years, Hauser had suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), though his wife stated he died of natural causes.
Cali Lili Hauser’s Instagram tribute highlighted Wings’ dedication to his craft and the respect he earned from peers in the industry. She detailed 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 industry has lost a versatile performer whose career showed persistence and passion for acting. From his early musical pursuits to his breakthrough in soap operas and memorable film roles, Wings Hauser leaves behind a substantial body of work spanning nearly six decades in Hollywood.