Legacy of Wings Hauser: A Tribute to the Versatile Actor
Wings Hauser, a distinguished character actor celebrated for his powerful performances in iconic films such as Vice Squad, Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling, and Tough Guys Don’t Dance, has passed away at the age of 77. His demise, announced on the Facebook page of the indie film and music studio he co-managed with his third wife, Cali, took place over the weekend, although specific details concerning his passing remain undisclosed.
Hauser leaves behind a legacy that includes his son, actor Cole Hauser, who is well-known for his role as Rip Wheeler in the popular series Yellowstone.
Career Highlights and Breakthrough Roles
Wings Hauser’s career escalated with his iconic portrayal of a psychopathic pimp, Ramrod, in the gritty 1982 film Vice Squad, directed by horror aficionado Gary Sherman. Not only did he showcase his acting prowess, but he also lent his voice to the film’s theme song, “Neon Slime.”
His dynamic range enabled him to portray various complex characters in later roles, including a racist U.S. Army officer in A Soldier’s Story (1984), a cocaine dealer in Jo Jo Dancer alongside Richard Pryor, and a police officer in Tough Guys Don’t Dance, for which he garnered a Spirit Award nomination.
Television Appearances and Soap Opera Fame
Hauser’s first major role occurred in 1977 when he joined the cast of CBS’s beloved soap opera The Young and the Restless, portraying Greg Foster. His initial three-season run showcased his talent and led to a brief return in 2010.
His extensive television career also featured significant roles as Lieutenant Colonel Miller on ABC’s China Beach and as Ty Tilden, a neighbor on Roseanne, as well as J. Jay Jones on Fox’s Beverly Hills, 90210.
Avco Embassy Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection
A Glimpse into His Early Life
Born Gerald Dwight Hauser on December 12, 1947, in Hollywood, he was the son of actor and screenwriter Dwight Hauser, who faced challenges due to the Hollywood Blacklist. His mother, Geraldine, had literary roots as the daughter of Tom Thienes, a published poet.
Before fully committing to acting and music, Hauser honed his athletic skills in school football, earning his nickname while playing as a wingback during his time at Thousand Oaks High School and the Northridge Military Academy. His early struggles included a difficult period of homelessness in the 1970s, during which he resided in an abandoned garage in Los Angeles with his daughter, Bright. A turning point came in 1975 with a role in CBS’s Cannon and the release of an RCA album titled Your Love Keeps Me Off the Streets under the stage name Wings Livinryte.
Filmmaking and Later Career
In the early 1980s, Hauser collaborated with a friend to draft the story for the war film Uncommon Valor (1983), featuring heavyweights like Gene Hackman and Patrick Swayze. His directorial endeavors included films such as Coldfire (1990), The Art of Dying (1991), and Skins (1994).
Hauser’s versatility also appeared on-screen alongside Adam West in the 1986 series The Last Precinct and in the 1991-92 action series Lightning Force. His extensive filmography features roles in notable projects such as Wilding (1990), Beastmaster 2: Through the Portal of Time (1991), The Insider (1999), and Rubber (2010), along with guest appearances on beloved series like The Fall Guy, Hunter, and Murder, She Wrote.
In 2002, Hauser married Cali, and besides his son, he is remembered by his siblings, Erich and Marcia. His career stands as a testament to his substantial contribution to the entertainment industry.