logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

Carol Arthur, Actress in 'Blazing Saddles' Dies Aged 85 — Inside Her Years of Health Struggles

Junie Sihlangu
Nov 03, 2020
06:13 A.M.

Carol Arthur, an actress well-known for starring in “Blazing Saddles,” sadly passed away this weekend. The star was five years away from turning 90-years-old when she died this month.

Advertisement

Carol Arthur passed away on Sunday, November 1, 2020, after battling Alzheimer's disease for 11 years. She was the widow of the late comedian Dom DeLuise and an actress who featured in several Mel Brooks films.

Besides her big-screen acting, she also appeared on Broadway. The news of her death was announced on Monday, November 2, 2020, according to the publication, “The Hollywood Reporter (THR).”

Portrait of Carol Arthur for the comedy and variety show, "The Dom DeLuise Show" on January 1, 1968 | Photo: CBS/Getty Images

Portrait of Carol Arthur for the comedy and variety show, "The Dom DeLuise Show" on January 1, 1968 | Photo: CBS/Getty Images

Her family allegedly revealed that Arthur died at the Mary Pickford House at the Motion Picture & Television Fund home in Woodland Hills. She had been living there since 2015.

In 1974, the actress played the role of Harriett Van Johnson, the Rock Ridge schoolmarm in “Blazing Saddles.” The movie was one of the ones that Brooks was responsible for directing.

Advertisement

Brooks paid tribute to Arthur and mourned her death with a post on Twitter. He shared how sad he was to hear about the late star’s passing and revealed how great she had been in her role on the 1974 film, adding:

“She will be missed.”

Advertisement

In a statement to THR, the director also confessed how Arthur had been his lifelong friend. The late actress appeared in four of Brooks' movies including 1976’s “Silent Movie.”

Carol Arthur later confessed that she knew Dom DeLuise was the person she wanted to marry from the onset.

In 1995, she starred in “Dracula: Dead and Loving It” and “Robin Hood: Men in Tights.” Arthur also served as a spokeswoman for the US Consumer Product Safety Commission as “Safety Sadie.”

Advertisement

The actress met DeLuise for the first time in 1963 while she was starring in “Summer and Smirk” at the Provincetown Playhouse. She later confessed that she knew he was the person she wanted to marry from the onset.

The star found traits about DeLuise that she liked including him being funny, honest, real, passionate, and intense. The couple got married in 1965 until the actor died in May 2009 at age 75 from kidney failure.

Advertisement

Arthur started supporting the Elixir Fund, a cancer comfort care facility, before her husband passed on. She continued her support by attending their events in Los Angeles and a few others in New Jersey.

The actress’s survivors include her sons Peter, David, and Michael, who all followed in their parent’s footsteps as actors. She is also survived by her grandchildren Jake, Dylan, and Destefano, and her brother George.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

‘Benson’ Star Inga Swenson Has Died - Her Husband of 70 Years Was by Her Side

July 30, 2023

David McCallum Learned He Had a Grandson from Card ‘Young Woman’ Sent — Inside the ‘NCIS’ Star’s Family

September 26, 2023

‘Designing Women’s Jean Smart, 71, Stuns Makeup-Free after Recovering from Crucial Heart Issue

July 23, 2023

The Late David McCallum Lost His 27-Year-Old Son Due to an Accident & Never Came to Terms with It

September 26, 2023

Inside Single Mom Sandra Bullock’s Relationship with Her Partner’s Orphaned Daughter

September 02, 2023

Afton Smith Kept Ex-husband's Surname - Facts about Brendan Fraser's Ex Wife

August 30, 2023

‘NCIS’ David McCallum Was ‘Grand-Ducky’ to 8 Grandkids & Caring Dad to Kids Who’ve Chosen Their Own Paths in Life

September 26, 2023

Sandra Bullock’s Late Partner Loved Her the Way She Was Yet Fans Said She Became ‘Barely Recognizable'

August 08, 2023

Fans Worry for Priscilla’s Well-Being Seeing Her after She Finally Confessed about Life with Elvis

September 05, 2023

This Boy Survived War & Worked as Forklift Truck Driver — He Became World-Famous Actor and Fell in Love at 70

October 18, 2023

Ariana Greenblatt's Parents: Her Father Is an Actor and the Son of Noted Broadway Producers

July 06, 2023

This Girl Became a Successful Child Star after Bio Parents Gave Her up to Family Who Had ‘No Plans’ to Adopt

October 13, 2023

Gena Rowlands Stuns in Leopard Print Dress: She Is ‘Lady’ at 93 after Raising 3 Kids Following Husband’s Death

July 29, 2023

Meryl Streep’s 45-Year Marriage with Spouse Might Never Have Happened If Her Boyfriend Hadn’t Died by Her Side

October 21, 2023