Fans of the classic television series Magnum PI were saddened this week to learn that actor Wings Hauser had passed away at the age of 78. 

According to The Independent, a statement put up on Hauser's official Facebook page explained that his death was due to natural causes.

Hauser died "in the arms of his film and music partner"

"Movie icon Wings Hauser took flight in the arms of his film and music partner, Cali Lili Hauser, at their studio this weekend," the statement explained.

"Wings Hauser’s one of a kind, legendary career spanned 58 years in movies, TV and music working alongside many of the greatest artists in the industry and earning their respect," it explained.

The statement recalled how Hauser was the "son of Academy Award winning writer, director, producer Dwight A. Hauser and loving mother Geraldine T. Hauser."

It further asked that mourners forgo sending flowers or cards in favor of supporting their work in conserving sea life and butterflies.

He is survived by his son and fellow actor Cole Houser, who played cowboy Rip Wheeler on the television series "Yellowstone."

Actor's career began in 1967 at age 18

The Independent recalled how Hauser made his initial foray into professional acting at age 18 by taking a small role in the 1967 war film "First to Fight."

He gained greater prominence a decade later through his portrayal of the character Greg Foster television's "The Young and the Restless." Hauser's time on the series originally spanned from 1977 to 1981 but he returned for three episodes in 2010.

The year 1981 also saw Hauser take on the memorable role of traumatized Vietnam veteran Nick Frangakis in an episode of "Magnum PI" called "Wave Goodbye."

Filmmaker remembers Hauser as "one hell of an actor"

Tributes to Hauser quickly appeared on social media, with one being posted on Wednesday by filmmaker and screenwriter Rusty Cundieff.

Wings Hauser RIP. One hell of an actor who was in my film Tales From The Hood. He played a racist cop so believable some of the crew thought he was one. Nothing could have been further from the truth! Good man, and a great actor, who gave it all. pic.twitter.com/KMCbRHsvf3

— Rusty Cundieff (@RustyCundieff) March 20, 2025

Cundieff voiced praise for Houser's abilities, describing him as "[o]ne hell of an actor who was in my film Tales From The Hood."

"He played a racist cop so believable some of the crew thought he was one," Cundieff continued before adding, "Nothing could have been further from the truth! Good man, and a great actor, who gave it all."