Veteran actor Wings Hauser has died at the age of 78. The news was shared by his wife and creative partner, Cali Lili Hauser, via Instagram on Wednesday, March 19. In a moving tribute, she honored his lifelong commitment to storytelling and the arts.
“Movie icon Wings Hauser took flight in the arms of his film and music partner, Cali Lili Hauser, at their studio this weekend,” she wrote.
Born in Hollywood, Hauser came from a family deeply rooted in the film industry. He was the son of Academy Award–winning writer, director, and producer Dwight A. Hauser and Geraldine T. Hauser. A proud member of the Academy, Hauser’s extraordinary career spanned nearly six decades, leaving a lasting mark on film, television, and music. He worked with some of the most respected artists in the industry, earning their admiration along the way.
His final wish was to pass the creative torch to Cali Lili, his wife and partner, asking that she continue the work they built together — a body of socially conscious film and music projects produced through their indie studio, Cali Lili Indies. The studio, which doubles as a sea-life and butterfly sanctuary, will carry forward his legacy through powerful stories and songs addressing social and environmental justice.
In lieu of flowers or cards, Hauser requested that fans support the studio’s ongoing and future projects. One such project is a feature-length documentary, “Wings Hauser: Working Class Actor”, produced by La-La Land Entertainment.
Born Gerald Dwight Hauser on December 12, 1947, Wings was known for his rugged screen presence and intense portrayals, particularly in action films and crime thrillers of the 1980s and ’90s. He began his career in music before shifting to acting in the 1970s. His breakout role came in Vice Squad (1982), where he played the notorious pimp Ramrod — a performance that catapulted him into cult stardom.
Hauser became known for playing gritty, complex characters in films like Deadly Force (1983), Tough Guys Don’t Dance (1987), and The Carpenter (1988). His television work was equally notable, with appearances on The A-Team, Murder, She Wrote, Hunter, and Roseanne. He also had a recurring role as J.J. “Jack” McKay, the troubled father of Dylan McKay (played by Luke Perry), on Beverly Hills, 90210.
In addition to acting, Hauser explored directing and screenwriting, consistently showcasing his creative range. He remained active in independent film and television throughout the 2000s.
Wings Hauser is remembered not only for his unforgettable performances but also for his passion, partnership, and enduring influence on those who knew and worked with him.
