Hey guys. Quint here. I know he lived a good life, I know he left behind a legacy that will entertain countless generations. But I hate this. It actually makes me mad that Red Buttons is not with us anymore.
Red Buttons died last night in his Century City home of vascular disease. He was 87 years old.
In the romantic drama SAYONARA, Buttons appeared alongside Marlon Brando. The film was about American GIs who fall in love with and marry Japanese nationals. He won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role.
In his career he hosted his own show ("The Red Buttons Show" from 1952-1955), appeared in many guest spots on TV (WONDER WOMAN, LOVE BOAT, FANTASY ISLAND, ROSEANNE and most recently on ER) and starred in over 60 films.
Outside of his TV and film contributions I don't know much about his legacy as a comedian, but I do know that he was considered one of the godfathers of the game and one of the old masters. He participated in many roasts all the way up to the '90s.
I grew up watching him as Hoagy, the baddie's sidekick, in PETE'S DRAGON. PETE'S DRAGON was the first film I saw in a theater and has stayed one of my favorite Disney efforts. I also discovered POSEIDON ADVENTURE at a young age and loved his hapless life-long bachelor character in that film.
Other notable appearances includee HATARI!, STAGECOACH, THEY SHOOT HORSES, DON'T THEY? and THE LONGEST DAY. Not to mention an incredibly creepy appearance in the '85 live action TV movie version of ALICE IN WONDERLAND where he played The White Rabbit.
Seeing Red Buttons appear on ER or ROSEANNE or pop up in a movie always made me smile. He was the genuine article, one of those actors who just radiates kindness and likablilty. I know I will miss him. My thoughts are with his friends, family and fans.
