Wings Hauser, ‘Vice Squad’ Star and Hollywood Character Actor, Dies at 78

Hollywood lost one of its most magnetic character actors this weekend — Wings Hauser, whose raw intensity and unforgettable presence lit up screens for nearly six decades, passed away at 78 in his Santa Monica studio home.

His wife, Cali Lili Hauser, shared the news with a touch of poetry, noting that Wings “took flight” in her arms. For those who followed his career, the metaphor couldn’t be more fitting. Like his namesake, Wings soared through Hollywood’s ever-changing landscape, never quite settling into the comfortable predictability that claims so many actors.

Born Gerald Dwight Hauser (a name that practically begged for the lights of Broadway), Wings emerged from entertainment royalty as the son of Academy Award-winner Dwight A. Hauser. But Hollywood’s golden child chose the grittier path. Rather than riding his father’s coattails, he blazed his own trail through the industry’s back alleys and side streets.

The role that cemented his reputation? A chilling turn as Ramrod, a violent pimp in 1982’s “Vice Squad.” The performance showcased not just his acting chops but revealed an unexpected musical talent — Wings penned and performed the film’s haunting theme song. That duality, that raw creative energy, became his calling card.

Speaking of legacies — the Hauser name continues to echo through Tinseltown. His son Cole (currently stealing scenes as Rip Wheeler on “Yellowstone”) carries the torch with the same intensity that marked his father’s work. At last year’s “Yellowstone” season 5 premiere, Cole shared a piece of Wings’ enduring wisdom: “Persist until you succeed… You’re gonna get knocked down in this business. You’re gonna be told ‘no’ a lot, but just keep following your dreams.”

Those weren’t empty words. Wings’ own journey through Hollywood spans more than 100 credits — a sprawling filmography that reads like a greatest hits of American television. From “Magnum, P.I.” to “Criminal Minds,” from his memorable run as Greg Foster on “The Young and the Restless” (1977-1981, with a 2010 victory lap) — Wings kept reinventing himself as the industry evolved.

His finest moment? Maybe it was the Independent Spirit Award nomination for 1987’s “Tough Guys Don’t Dance.” Or perhaps it was any of the countless character roles where he brought depth to what could have been throwaway parts.

At the time of his passing, Wings was crafting his own story — “Working Class Actor,” a documentary about his life and career. His wife Cali has vowed to complete the project, preserving what she describes as “their partnership, their love story and honoring his legacy.”

True to form, Wings’ final wish spoke volumes about the man behind the roles. Rather than traditional memorials, he asked supporters to back ongoing projects at the couple’s sustainable indie film and music studio — a space that doubles as a sanctuary for sea life and butterflies. Even in departure, Wings was thinking about the bigger picture.

He leaves behind his wife Cali, children Bright and Cole Hauser, two sisters, and five grandchildren — Hutchinson, Holden, Ryland, Colt, and Steely Rose. As Hollywood grapples with another streaming revolution and AI-generated performances, Wings’ passing feels like the end of an era. A time when character actors could become legends through sheer force of personality and an unwavering dedication to their craft.