Red Buttons: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

Red Buttons (February 5 1919 - July 13 2006) was the stage name of American comedian and actor Aaron Chwatt. He won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Airman Joe Kelly in Sayonara (1957).

Early life and career

Born in New York City to a Jewish family, Chwatt received his nickname as a young man, when he worked as a waiter in Dinty Moore's Tavern in The Bronx — his uniform's shiny buttons and his bright red hair caused patrons to give him the name under which he would later perform.

From 1947 to 1951, he was married to actress Roxanne Arlen, who would have been only 16 if her year of birth (1931), given by some sources, is accurate. His next marriage was to Helayne McNorton, from December 8 1949 until 1963 when they divorced.

Buttons spent years performing burlesque and doing comedy routines in the Borscht Belt.

Buttons received his own variety series on television in 1952 — The Red Buttons Show ran for three years and achieved high levels of success. His catchphrase from the show, "strange things are happening", entered the national vocabulary briefly in the mid-1950s.

After his Oscar-winning role in Sayonara, Buttons performed in numerous feature films, including Hatari!, The Longest Day, Harlow, The Poseidon Adventure, They Shoot Horses, Don't They?, and Pete's Dragon. He also made memorable TV appearances, including on It's Garry Shandling's Show.

He became a nationally recognizable comedian, and his "Never Got A Dinner" sketch was a standard at the Dean Martin roasts for many years.

He is #71 on Comedy Central's list of the 100 greatest standups of all time.

His last marriage was to Alicia Pratt, from January 27 1964 until her death in March 2001.

Buttons died of vascular disease on July 13, 2006 at his home in the Century City area of Los Angeles. His spokesman says Buttons had been ill for some time and was with family members when he died. [1]

Academy Awards

Won:

• Best Supporting Actor (Sayonara, 1958)

Golden Globe Awards

Won:

• Best Supporting Actor (Sayonara, 1958)

Nominated:

• Best Supporting Actor (Harlow, 1966)
• Best Supporting Actor (They Shoot Horses, Don't They?, 1970)