Red Buttons

(Deceased) Born February 5, 1919 — Died July 13, 2006. Red Buttons was an American comedian and actor whose career spanned stage, radio, television and motion pictures. Born Aaron Chwatt in New York City, he began performing as a teenager and adopted his stage name after working as a bellhop with red hair and a uniform decorated with large buttons. Buttons became an early television star with *The Red Buttons Show* during the 1950s. He later demonstrated his dramatic ability in the 1957 film *Sayonara*, winning both the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. His many other films included *Hatari!*, *The Longest Day*, *They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?*, *The Poseidon Adventure*, *Pete’s Dragon* and *It Could Happen to You*. He also made frequent television appearances and became especially popular for his humorous “Never Got a Dinner” routines at celebrity roasts. Known for his energetic comedy, expressive face and ability to handle both comic and dramatic roles, Buttons remained active in entertainment for more than six decades.