Wings Hauser, the prolific actor renowned for his intense performances in films like Vice Squad and television series such as Beverly Hills, 90210, passed away on March 15, 2025, at the age of 78 in Los Angeles.
Born Gerald Dwight Hauser on December 12, 1947, in Hollywood, California, Wings was the son of Academy Award-winning screenwriter Dwight Hauser. He began his entertainment career as a musician before transitioning to acting in the 1970s. His breakout role came in 1982 when he portrayed the menacing pimp Ramrod in Vice Squad, a performance that left a lasting impression on audiences.
Hauser’s career spanned over five decades, during which he appeared in more than 100 film and television productions. Notable film credits include Tough Guys Don’t Dance (1987), Deadly Force (1983), and The Carpenter (1988). On television, he held recurring roles in series like The Young and the Restless, Roseanne, Murder, She Wrote, and Beverly Hills, 90210, where he played J.J. “Jack” McKay, the estranged father of Dylan McKay.
In addition to acting, Hauser was a talented screenwriter and director. He wrote the story for the 1983 film Uncommon Valor, inspired by a friend’s experiences in Vietnam.
Hauser’s wife, Cali Lili Hauser, announced his passing via social media, describing him as a “movie legend” and her partner in both life and art. She shared that he died peacefully at their studio, surrounded by the creative environment they both cherished.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that fans support ongoing projects by Cali Lili Indies Pictures Words Music In Motion FeMt0 Studio, which focuses on films and music with social and environmental justice themes.
Wings Hauser is survived by his wife, Cali Lili Hauser, and his son, actor Cole Hauser, known for his role in the television series Yellowstone.