Bill Saluga Cause of Death

American comedian and actor, Bill Saluga has been reported dead. He died on March 28, 2023, at the age of 85. According to sources, he was in the hospital for eight months and died in hospice care.

He was commonly known for his trademark phrase You Can Call Me Ray. 

Born on September 16, 1937, Saluga grew up in New York where he worked as a doorman at The Bitter End and first went on stage as a member of the Ace Trucking Company.

The group was founded by other members including Michael Mislove, George Memmoli, Fred Willard, and Patti Deutsch. They were the first performers for Tom Jones’ show in Las Vegas and also performed on the stage for Jones on the ABC variety show which was filmed in London in 1971.

He was best known for playing the character of Raymond J. Johnson Jr. Salugan also played the role of an Usher on The Opera in 1992, as well as starring in three episodes of HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm in 2005.

Salugan’s movie and tv appearances include The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Redd Foxx, Mad About You, Murphy Brown, Sisters, Home Improvement, The David Steinberg Show, and more.

Tributes have been pouring in on social media after the comedian’s death went viral.

“What was funny about Raymond J. Johnson Character? I have no explanation but I couldn’t form the words anyway because I’d be laughing too hard. Also loved Bill Saluga in The Ace Trucking Company. He was hilarious. Rest in Peace,” Frank Conniff.

“He was the man who taught America to laugh. Well if there was a Mr. 1976 it was certainly him! He’s the one who got us through the second Gas Crisis,” another user wrote.

“Thanks for the smiles and laughs Mr. Johnson,” Kimberly Morgan.