Red Buttons

Biography

Red Buttons, born Aaron Chwatt on February 5, 1919, in New York City's Lower East Side, is celebrated for his multifaceted career as a stand-up comedian, songwriter, singer, and Academy Award-winning actor. Standing 5 feet 6 inches tall, he adopted the stage name "Red Buttons" from a uniform he wore while working as a singing bellboy. His early foray into entertainment began with street corner performances as a child, and by the age of 16, he was part of a comedy act in the Catskills alongside future actor Robert Alda.

Buttons' career progressed through the burlesque scene and culminated in a Broadway role in the 1942 play "Vicki." Soon after, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and was selected for a part in Moss Hart’s Broadway service play "Winged Victory." Following his military service, he returned to Broadway and gained prominence as a comic, leading to his own television series, "The Red Buttons Show," which aired from 1952 to 1955 and earned him an Emmy for Best Comedian.

His cinematic breakthrough came in 1957 with "Sayonara," where he portrayed an American soldier grappling with cultural prejudices in love. This role earned him an Academy Award, followed by notable performances in “The Longest Day” (1962) and nominations for Golden Globes in "Harlow" (1965) and "They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?" (1969). In the 1970s, he became a familiar face on the "Dean Martin Celebrity Roast," showcasing his comedic talent. A fixture in Las Vegas, Buttons was also honored with a star on Hollywood Boulevard and received accolades from organizations such as the Friars Club. He passed away on July 13, 2006, at the age of 87 in Century City, California, due to vascular disease.