Red Buttons, the rather wonderfully named American comedian and actor has
died at the age of 87.
The name apparently came from his red hair, with the 'Buttons' part being a
nickname from his teenage days as a hotel porter.
His carrer began in the 1930s on stage, and took in television and film along
the way. He won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for playing Sgt Joe Kelly in
Sayonara alongside screen legend Marlon Brando.
More recently, he had a recurring guest role in ER, for which he was
nominated for an Emmy.
He was apparently ill for some time, and was with family members when he
died.
Other film roles included The Longest Day, The Poseidon Adventure and a film
called They Shoot Horses, Don't They?
He also worked as a singer on the Borscht Circuit, a string of resorts in New
York state catering to a mostly Jewish audience. Other sucessful acts from that
era include Danny Kaye and Mel Brooks.
