WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.520 Sound bite of Buddy Hackett's distinctive voice, 00:00:02.879 --> 00:00:05.379 perhaps a snippet of his exasperated, no, we 00:00:05.379 --> 00:00:09.199 know have Sprit Pea Soup, or a burst of his infectious 00:00:09.199 --> 00:00:13.339 booming laughter. Welcome to the deep dive. We're 00:00:13.339 --> 00:00:16.359 the place where we peel back the layers on the 00:00:16.359 --> 00:00:18.879 people and stories that really define our culture. 00:00:19.280 --> 00:00:20.920 You know, the ones that leave a lasting mark. 00:00:21.160 --> 00:00:23.600 That's right. Today, we're unwrapping a gift 00:00:23.600 --> 00:00:27.800 of, whoa. pure comedic genius, a man whose voice, 00:00:27.980 --> 00:00:30.079 whose face became so familiar, almost like your 00:00:30.079 --> 00:00:32.759 own reflection, yet his full story, it often 00:00:32.759 --> 00:00:35.359 feels just slightly out of reach. Have you ever 00:00:35.359 --> 00:00:37.520 found yourself just laughing uncontrollably at 00:00:37.520 --> 00:00:39.640 a joke, maybe charmed by a character on screen 00:00:39.640 --> 00:00:42.039 and then thought, Who is that guy? There's something 00:00:42.039 --> 00:00:43.679 really unique there. It happens all the time 00:00:43.679 --> 00:00:46.759 with certain performers. Exactly. And today we're 00:00:46.759 --> 00:00:49.200 taking that deep dive into the extraordinary 00:00:49.200 --> 00:00:52.240 life, the multifaceted career of a comedian who 00:00:52.240 --> 00:00:55.740 absolutely embodied that feeling. The one, the 00:00:55.740 --> 00:00:58.159 only. Buddy Hackett. It's a really compelling 00:00:58.159 --> 00:01:00.740 journey we're about to take. What's truly remarkable, 00:01:00.759 --> 00:01:03.320 I think, is that Buddy Hackett was so much more 00:01:03.320 --> 00:01:06.359 than just a comedian. He was a true cultural 00:01:06.359 --> 00:01:09.140 fixture for decades. Yeah, fixture is the right 00:01:09.140 --> 00:01:11.579 word. His career touched almost every aspect 00:01:11.579 --> 00:01:14.180 of American entertainment, from those gritty 00:01:14.180 --> 00:01:16.480 comedy clubs right up to Broadway, the silver 00:01:16.480 --> 00:01:19.680 screen, into our living rooms, through TV. Everywhere. 00:01:20.060 --> 00:01:22.620 Our mission today is really to go beyond just 00:01:22.620 --> 00:01:24.739 the punchlines, beyond the memorable characters, 00:01:25.239 --> 00:01:28.480 and uncover the why behind that enduring appeal. 00:01:28.980 --> 00:01:31.239 The sheer versatility that really cemented his 00:01:31.239 --> 00:01:35.159 legacy as, well, a legend. Versatility is key, 00:01:35.280 --> 00:01:37.620 isn't it? Absolutely. He was a master at connecting 00:01:37.620 --> 00:01:40.560 with audiences, like on a deeply personal level. 00:01:40.900 --> 00:01:43.069 Made him feel like an old friend. even if you 00:01:43.069 --> 00:01:45.689 only knew him from the screen. Totally agree. 00:01:46.150 --> 00:01:48.469 And you listening are in for a genuine treat 00:01:48.469 --> 00:01:51.269 today. We're going to unpack his surprising beginnings, 00:01:51.829 --> 00:01:54.730 trace his roots from working -class Brooklyn 00:01:54.730 --> 00:01:57.510 all the way to the rough -and -tumble Catskills 00:01:57.510 --> 00:02:00.569 circuit. The famous Borsch Belt. Exactly. We'll 00:02:00.569 --> 00:02:03.370 explore his signature comedic style, those unforgettable 00:02:03.370 --> 00:02:05.950 film roles, the ones that endeared him to generations, 00:02:06.370 --> 00:02:08.849 his ubiquitous presence on television, which 00:02:08.849 --> 00:02:10.770 really made him a household name. He was constantly 00:02:10.770 --> 00:02:14.439 on TV. and will even delve into some lesser -known 00:02:14.439 --> 00:02:17.840 aspects of his personal life, reveal the man 00:02:17.840 --> 00:02:20.819 behind that boisterous laughter. So get ready 00:02:20.819 --> 00:02:24.199 for some real aha moments, because while you 00:02:24.199 --> 00:02:26.319 might instantly recognize his voice, instantly, 00:02:26.680 --> 00:02:28.439 you're about to gain a much deeper understanding 00:02:28.439 --> 00:02:30.759 of the fascinating journey that shaped the man 00:02:30.759 --> 00:02:33.699 behind it. We're going to explore what made Buddy 00:02:33.699 --> 00:02:36.539 Hackett, well, Buddy Hackett. Let's do it. Okay, 00:02:36.759 --> 00:02:39.020 let's begin our exploration right at the very 00:02:39.020 --> 00:02:42.259 beginning. Many comedic legends, they adopt a 00:02:42.259 --> 00:02:45.159 stage name, right? But the man we knew and loved 00:02:45.159 --> 00:02:48.219 as Buddy Hackett was actually born, Leonard Hacker. 00:02:48.360 --> 00:02:50.479 Leonard Hacker. Sounds so different. It really 00:02:50.479 --> 00:02:54.259 does. He arrived on August 31st, 1924, right 00:02:54.259 --> 00:02:56.939 in the vibrant heart of New York City. And his 00:02:56.939 --> 00:02:59.419 upbringing, it paints this vivid picture, almost 00:02:59.419 --> 00:03:01.460 archetypal for that generation of comedians. 00:03:01.520 --> 00:03:03.439 Yeah. You see that pattern? He grew up in a close 00:03:03.439 --> 00:03:06.259 -knit Jewish family, Burl Park, Brooklyn. His 00:03:06.259 --> 00:03:08.219 mother, Anna Geller, worked in the garment trades. 00:03:08.539 --> 00:03:11.699 His father, Philip Hacker, was a furniture upholsterer. 00:03:11.800 --> 00:03:13.590 And this is interesting. a part -time inventor. 00:03:13.669 --> 00:03:16.770 An inventor. Wow. Yeah. He was one of two kids. 00:03:17.650 --> 00:03:20.050 So considering that specific time, that place, 00:03:20.750 --> 00:03:23.590 what was it about his early environment that 00:03:23.590 --> 00:03:26.449 might have hinted, maybe subtly, maybe not so 00:03:26.449 --> 00:03:29.330 subtly, at the performer he'd become? Well... 00:03:29.310 --> 00:03:31.490 To really get the foundations of his comedic 00:03:31.490 --> 00:03:34.050 genius, you kind of have to connect his upbringing 00:03:34.050 --> 00:03:36.889 to that bigger picture of early 20th century 00:03:36.889 --> 00:03:40.550 New York. Growing up across from PS 103 on 54th 00:03:40.550 --> 00:03:43.680 Street and 14th Avenue in this... bustling working 00:03:43.680 --> 00:03:46.280 class Brooklyn neighborhood. That wasn't just 00:03:46.280 --> 00:03:49.080 geography, it was like character forging. It 00:03:49.080 --> 00:03:51.419 shaped him. Absolutely. This environment, it 00:03:51.419 --> 00:03:53.379 wasn't just a backdrop, it was a constant source 00:03:53.379 --> 00:03:56.199 of inspiration, of material. These communities, 00:03:56.500 --> 00:03:58.740 brimming with diverse personalities, immigrant 00:03:58.740 --> 00:04:01.580 stories, daily struggles, little triumphs. they 00:04:01.580 --> 00:04:04.080 became this rich training ground for observational 00:04:04.080 --> 00:04:05.939 humor. You see it everywhere. It instilled a 00:04:05.939 --> 00:04:09.180 certain streetwise grit, a sharp wit honed in 00:04:09.180 --> 00:04:11.460 banter that rapid fire delivery you often got 00:04:11.460 --> 00:04:14.159 from the pace of city life. For Leonard Hacker, 00:04:14.219 --> 00:04:16.500 it meant constant exposure to this kaleidoscope 00:04:16.500 --> 00:04:19.319 of human nature. All the absurdities. Exactly. 00:04:19.420 --> 00:04:22.220 The absurdities, the poignant moments. That became 00:04:22.220 --> 00:04:25.339 the fodder for his really relatable comedy later 00:04:25.339 --> 00:04:28.680 on. This is where the seeds of that distinctive 00:04:28.680 --> 00:04:31.759 New York accent, his direct approach, his innate 00:04:31.759 --> 00:04:35.000 understanding of human flaws, they were definitely 00:04:35.000 --> 00:04:37.839 sown there long before he ever stepped on a stage. 00:04:38.139 --> 00:04:41.339 Okay delving deeper here. This is where his story 00:04:41.339 --> 00:04:43.899 gets particularly interesting, maybe a bit poignant. 00:04:44.319 --> 00:04:47.540 That instantly recognizable speech pattern, you 00:04:47.540 --> 00:04:51.199 know? That almost gravely, slightly slurred delivery 00:04:51.199 --> 00:04:54.019 that became such a hallmark of his comedy. Unmistakable. 00:04:54.139 --> 00:04:56.879 Along with the brash material, his heavy appearance, 00:04:57.300 --> 00:04:59.660 the thick New York accent. It wasn't just an 00:04:59.660 --> 00:05:01.759 affectation. It wasn't something he put on. It 00:05:01.759 --> 00:05:03.839 was actually the result of a childhood condition. 00:05:03.939 --> 00:05:06.300 He suffered from Bell's palsy as a kid. Bell's 00:05:06.300 --> 00:05:08.560 palsy? Wow. Yeah, that neurological thing causes 00:05:08.560 --> 00:05:11.240 temporary weakness or paralysis on one side of 00:05:11.240 --> 00:05:13.519 the face and the lingering effects, they actually 00:05:13.519 --> 00:05:16.079 contributed to his distinctive slurred speech 00:05:16.079 --> 00:05:18.699 and that unique facial expression. That's incredible. 00:05:18.879 --> 00:05:21.160 So that sort of signature look and sound came 00:05:21.160 --> 00:05:24.439 from something real. Yeah. How do you think this 00:05:24.439 --> 00:05:27.279 personal challenge consciously or unconsciously 00:05:27.279 --> 00:05:30.100 shaped his delivery and ultimately his whole 00:05:30.100 --> 00:05:32.500 stage persona? Well, a crucial point definitely 00:05:32.500 --> 00:05:35.120 emerges here about how personal challenges can 00:05:35.120 --> 00:05:38.500 often be sort of. transmuted into unique artistic 00:05:38.500 --> 00:05:40.920 strengths. For Hackett, what might have initially 00:05:40.920 --> 00:05:42.899 seemed like a hindrance, this distinctive speech, 00:05:43.040 --> 00:05:45.980 the facial expression from Bell's palsy, it became 00:05:45.980 --> 00:05:48.540 an integral, really an iconic part of his comedic 00:05:48.540 --> 00:05:50.699 cadence and his whole appeal. Right, it defined 00:05:50.699 --> 00:05:53.220 him. It wasn't something he had to learn or manufacture. 00:05:53.339 --> 00:05:56.300 It was inherently, authentically him. And that 00:05:56.300 --> 00:05:58.860 authenticity, born from a very real physical 00:05:58.860 --> 00:06:01.720 experience, probably made him instantly recognizable 00:06:01.720 --> 00:06:04.040 and, honestly, maybe more endearing. Because 00:06:04.040 --> 00:06:06.480 it was real. Exactly. Because it was so fundamentally 00:06:06.480 --> 00:06:09.079 him. There was no artifice there. Audiences, 00:06:09.079 --> 00:06:10.939 you know, they often form deep connections with 00:06:10.939 --> 00:06:13.620 performers who bring their full unfiltered selves 00:06:13.620 --> 00:06:17.250 to stage vulnerabilities and strengths. This 00:06:17.250 --> 00:06:20.470 physical trait became this powerful, distinguishing 00:06:20.470 --> 00:06:22.889 characteristic. It resonated deeply, contributed 00:06:22.889 --> 00:06:26.069 to an inherent warmth, a kind of accessible vulnerability 00:06:26.069 --> 00:06:28.329 that you felt even under his most, you know, 00:06:28.509 --> 00:06:31.250 boisterous routines. Made him feel incredibly 00:06:31.250 --> 00:06:33.810 human. Imagine stepping onto a stage, right? 00:06:34.129 --> 00:06:36.430 Trying to make people laugh. And getting nothing. 00:06:36.689 --> 00:06:40.089 Not a single chuckle. Oof. Tough crowd. Tough 00:06:40.089 --> 00:06:42.829 is an understatement. Yep, pressing on despite 00:06:42.829 --> 00:06:46.009 that. That takes some serious tenacity. Before 00:06:46.009 --> 00:06:48.750 he was the buddy we know, he started as Butch 00:06:48.750 --> 00:06:51.009 Hacker. Butch Hacker? Yeah. Cutting his teeth 00:06:51.009 --> 00:06:53.529 as a tummler, great Yiddish word, means tumult 00:06:53.529 --> 00:06:56.269 maker, in the Catskills Borscht Belt Resorts. 00:06:56.589 --> 00:06:58.990 His job was basically to keep the energy up, 00:06:59.389 --> 00:07:01.250 entertain guests between acts, just stir things 00:07:01.250 --> 00:07:03.449 up. Keep the party going. Right. He actually 00:07:03.449 --> 00:07:06.029 claimed, kind of humbly, that he didn't get one 00:07:06.029 --> 00:07:08.810 single laugh at his very first stand -up gig, 00:07:09.329 --> 00:07:12.050 Golden Hotel Hurleyville, New York. Wow. And 00:07:12.050 --> 00:07:14.529 he kept going. He kept going. And then, after 00:07:14.529 --> 00:07:17.410 high school graduation in 42, he put the entertainment 00:07:17.410 --> 00:07:20.290 stuff on hold and listed in the U .S. Army. Surfed 00:07:20.290 --> 00:07:22.529 three years during World War II in an anti -aircraft 00:07:22.529 --> 00:07:25.490 battery. So from Tumbler to Soldier. Big shift. 00:07:25.790 --> 00:07:29.220 Huge shift. What do these incredibly formative, 00:07:29.379 --> 00:07:31.939 kind of contrasting experiences tell us about 00:07:31.939 --> 00:07:35.439 the character, the drive that forged Buddy Hackett 00:07:35.439 --> 00:07:37.819 before he really hit the big time? It's truly 00:07:37.819 --> 00:07:39.720 fascinating, isn't it? To see the combination 00:07:39.720 --> 00:07:42.360 of these two, like incredibly formative, yet 00:07:42.360 --> 00:07:45.319 starkly contrasting experiences shaping his early 00:07:45.319 --> 00:07:49.259 life. The Borscht Belt was this intense, often 00:07:49.259 --> 00:07:51.920 raucous, highly improvisational training ground, 00:07:52.139 --> 00:07:54.759 a real crucible, forged so many famous comedians 00:07:54.759 --> 00:07:57.220 of that era. Tough school. Absolutely. It demanded 00:07:57.220 --> 00:07:59.519 quick thinking, an acute ability to read a room, 00:07:59.720 --> 00:08:01.899 work a room, and just a sheer presence to command 00:08:01.899 --> 00:08:03.980 attention in that kind of chaos. The fact that 00:08:03.980 --> 00:08:06.600 he initially faced zero laughs and still pushed 00:08:06.600 --> 00:08:08.819 through. That speaks volumes about his drive, 00:08:08.939 --> 00:08:11.300 his resilience, his belief in his own comedic 00:08:11.300 --> 00:08:13.519 voice, even when it was totally unproven. Gotta 00:08:13.519 --> 00:08:16.360 admire that. That period instilled a fearlessness, 00:08:16.740 --> 00:08:20.480 an understanding of timing, rhythm. Then... You 00:08:20.480 --> 00:08:22.959 juxtapose that with the stark discipline, the 00:08:22.959 --> 00:08:25.420 immense gravity of military service during a 00:08:25.420 --> 00:08:28.319 global conflict. Right. World War II. This blend 00:08:28.319 --> 00:08:31.680 of experiences likely gave him not just his quick 00:08:31.680 --> 00:08:34.279 wit and stage resilience, but also a broader, 00:08:34.279 --> 00:08:37.700 more grounded perspective on life. His later 00:08:37.700 --> 00:08:40.799 observational humor often had this unique weight, 00:08:41.139 --> 00:08:43.200 this universal relatability that could easily 00:08:43.200 --> 00:08:46.019 have stemmed from those diverse but profoundly 00:08:46.019 --> 00:08:49.500 impactful early years. It's a powerful testament 00:08:49.500 --> 00:08:52.659 to how complex backgrounds shape an artist's 00:08:52.659 --> 00:08:55.159 character and ultimately their craft. So after 00:08:55.159 --> 00:08:57.340 serving his country during the war, the transformation 00:08:57.340 --> 00:09:00.539 really kicks in and Buddy Hackett is truly born. 00:09:01.240 --> 00:09:03.080 His first pro job after coming back was at the 00:09:03.080 --> 00:09:04.980 Pink Elephant in Brooklyn, and it was there he 00:09:04.980 --> 00:09:07.080 made the official shift, changing his name from 00:09:07.080 --> 00:09:08.820 Leonard Hacker. Goodbye, Leonard. Hello, Buddy. 00:09:09.059 --> 00:09:11.269 Exactly. From those early Brooklyn club days, 00:09:11.309 --> 00:09:13.990 he started making waves, performing across the 00:09:13.990 --> 00:09:17.090 country, L .A., Vegas, those burgeoning entertainment 00:09:17.090 --> 00:09:19.210 hubs, while still keeping those strong roots 00:09:19.210 --> 00:09:21.769 in the Catskills. Covering all the bases. This 00:09:21.769 --> 00:09:23.970 diverse circuit eventually led him to Broadway. 00:09:24.490 --> 00:09:27.190 He appeared in Lunatics and Lovers, and that 00:09:27.190 --> 00:09:29.210 show caught the eye of the legendary producer 00:09:29.210 --> 00:09:32.409 Max Liebman. Big deal. Liebman was huge. Huge, 00:09:32.830 --> 00:09:35.029 which then paved the way for two significant 00:09:35.029 --> 00:09:38.509 TV specials. It's amazing how a simple name change 00:09:38.509 --> 00:09:41.409 can symbolize such a fresh start, right? A real 00:09:41.409 --> 00:09:44.629 statement of identity. What was the significance 00:09:44.629 --> 00:09:47.250 of these varied venues, Brooklyn clubs, Vegas 00:09:47.250 --> 00:09:50.090 glitz, Broadway stage, for a budding comedian 00:09:50.090 --> 00:09:52.429 still finding his voice? Well, connecting this 00:09:52.429 --> 00:09:55.169 to his artistic development, these early experiences 00:09:55.169 --> 00:09:58.090 provided this incredibly diverse, rigorous proving 00:09:58.090 --> 00:10:00.970 ground. Just essential for a comedian finding 00:10:00.970 --> 00:10:03.610 their way. Trial by fire, almost. Kind of, yeah. 00:10:03.759 --> 00:10:05.980 performing in such wildly different environments, 00:10:06.299 --> 00:10:08.320 having to adapt to vastly different audiences. 00:10:08.759 --> 00:10:10.879 Think about it. An intimate, maybe tough crowd 00:10:10.879 --> 00:10:13.399 in the Catskills or a Brooklyn club versus the 00:10:13.399 --> 00:10:15.799 more maybe sophisticated expectations of a Broadway 00:10:15.799 --> 00:10:18.840 theater and then the spectacle of a Vegas showroom. 00:10:19.000 --> 00:10:22.120 Totally different worlds. Absolutely. This whole 00:10:22.120 --> 00:10:25.399 process honed his craft in unparalleled ways. 00:10:25.919 --> 00:10:28.240 It wasn't just about telling jokes. It was mastering 00:10:28.240 --> 00:10:31.399 timing, developing that unshakable stage presence, 00:10:31.860 --> 00:10:34.580 understanding crowd psychology, building a repertoire 00:10:34.580 --> 00:10:37.019 that could work anywhere, resonate with different 00:10:37.019 --> 00:10:40.250 people. That versatility again. Exactly. It taught 00:10:40.250 --> 00:10:43.289 him invaluable versatility, resilience, allowed 00:10:43.289 --> 00:10:45.690 him to keep refining his unique persona, his 00:10:45.690 --> 00:10:48.789 delivery. Ultimately, it prepared him for that 00:10:48.789 --> 00:10:52.110 broad, multi -platform appeal he later achieved. 00:10:52.549 --> 00:10:55.990 It was essentially a comprehensive, comedic apprenticeship 00:10:55.990 --> 00:10:58.830 across the entire spectrum of American entertainment 00:10:58.830 --> 00:11:01.710 at the time. Okay, now, can you even imagine 00:11:01.710 --> 00:11:04.460 this? Buddy Hackett as a three -stooge. Wait, 00:11:04.620 --> 00:11:06.279 what? Seriously? Seriously. It's one of those 00:11:06.279 --> 00:11:08.500 fantastic what -if moments in comedy history. 00:11:08.779 --> 00:11:10.740 His official film career kind of started small 00:11:10.740 --> 00:11:13.740 in 1950 with a Columbia Pictures, World of Sports 00:11:13.740 --> 00:11:17.100 Reel, King of the Pins. He pantomimed the wrong 00:11:17.100 --> 00:11:19.340 way to bowl. Funny stuff. Okay, I can picture 00:11:19.340 --> 00:11:21.399 that. But then this persistent anecdote popped 00:11:21.399 --> 00:11:23.960 up. Jules White, head of Columbia's short subject 00:11:23.960 --> 00:11:25.940 department, supposedly offered him a spot with 00:11:25.940 --> 00:11:28.879 the Three Stooges in 52 after Curly Howard sadly 00:11:28.879 --> 00:11:32.690 died. No way. Replacing Curly. The story goes, 00:11:32.929 --> 00:11:35.669 he even rehearsed with Moe and Larry, but ultimately 00:11:35.669 --> 00:11:38.289 turned it down, felt he didn't quite fit their 00:11:38.289 --> 00:11:40.730 very specific style and really wanted to develop 00:11:40.730 --> 00:11:44.169 his own solo act. Now, our sources do note this 00:11:44.169 --> 00:11:47.070 rumor was later dismissed as untrue or unfounded, 00:11:47.269 --> 00:11:49.929 but even if it's not historically accurate, what 00:11:49.929 --> 00:11:53.049 does the story itself tell us about his perceived 00:11:53.049 --> 00:11:56.210 potential, his identity, his ambition at that 00:11:56.210 --> 00:11:58.539 key moment? That's a great point. Whether it's 00:11:58.539 --> 00:12:00.639 totally factual or just, you know, Hollywood 00:12:00.639 --> 00:12:04.840 lore, the narrative itself raises a crucial question 00:12:04.840 --> 00:12:07.559 about career turning points, about defining your 00:12:07.559 --> 00:12:09.820 artistic identity. Right. Making a choice. The 00:12:09.820 --> 00:12:12.399 very idea of Hackett choosing to forge his own 00:12:12.399 --> 00:12:14.600 path rather than slotting into an established, 00:12:14.899 --> 00:12:17.779 iconic, massively successful act that speaks 00:12:17.779 --> 00:12:20.720 volumes. His confidence, his self -awareness, 00:12:21.000 --> 00:12:23.360 his clear desire for solo expression. He saw 00:12:23.360 --> 00:12:26.500 something different for himself. Exactly. The 00:12:26.500 --> 00:12:29.100 Stooges were known for a very specific brand 00:12:29.100 --> 00:12:32.779 of physical slapstick, often violent, inherently 00:12:32.779 --> 00:12:36.320 ensemble driven. Hackett's humor, while definitely 00:12:36.320 --> 00:12:39.299 physical and boisterous, was also rooted in observational 00:12:39.299 --> 00:12:42.220 wit, that unique voice, a more character driven 00:12:42.220 --> 00:12:45.120 thing. Yeah, different flavors of comedy. So 00:12:45.120 --> 00:12:47.799 allegedly turning down such a high profile offer 00:12:47.799 --> 00:12:50.200 would have powerfully underscored his commitment 00:12:50.200 --> 00:12:53.600 to cultivating his own distinctive voice. showcased 00:12:53.600 --> 00:12:57.000 a profound belief in his unique path rather than 00:12:57.000 --> 00:12:59.139 being just, you know, absorbed into an existing 00:12:59.139 --> 00:13:01.559 comedy machine, however famous. It highlights 00:13:01.559 --> 00:13:04.019 a remarkable self -awareness about his own comedic 00:13:04.019 --> 00:13:06.379 identity and the vision he had for his career. 00:13:06.600 --> 00:13:08.500 Okay, so he didn't return to movies right away, 00:13:08.539 --> 00:13:11.259 not until 53. But it was a nightclub routine 00:13:11.259 --> 00:13:13.500 that really truly changed everything for him. 00:13:14.360 --> 00:13:16.340 Let's dig into what became his signature early 00:13:16.340 --> 00:13:19.309 act. the Chinese waiter routine. Ah, yes, the 00:13:19.309 --> 00:13:20.730 famous one. This is where his career just took 00:13:20.730 --> 00:13:23.490 off. A pivotal moment really shaped his early 00:13:23.490 --> 00:13:26.769 celebrity. In this routine, Hackett would famously 00:13:26.769 --> 00:13:29.009 put a rubber band around his head to slightly 00:13:29.009 --> 00:13:31.169 slant his eyes. Okay, yeah, definitely wouldn't 00:13:31.169 --> 00:13:33.759 fly today. Absolutely not. Culturally sensitive 00:13:33.759 --> 00:13:36.539 is putting it mildly. But back then, he'd launch 00:13:36.539 --> 00:13:38.840 into this hilarious for -the -time lampoon of 00:13:38.840 --> 00:13:41.919 the heavy dialect, frustration, and communication 00:13:41.919 --> 00:13:44.919 problems encountered by a busy waiter in a Chinese 00:13:44.919 --> 00:13:47.000 restaurant. I could almost hear it. He had these 00:13:47.000 --> 00:13:49.500 classic lines like, No, we no have Sprit Pea 00:13:49.500 --> 00:13:52.080 Soup. We got a want and we got a roll. No order 00:13:52.080 --> 00:13:55.049 for her, just order for you. Wow. The routine 00:13:55.049 --> 00:13:58.429 was such a massive hit, he recorded it. Its popularity 00:13:58.429 --> 00:14:01.169 led directly to him being hired to reprise that 00:14:01.169 --> 00:14:03.889 character in the 1953 musical, Walking My Baby 00:14:03.889 --> 00:14:06.990 Back Home. He was third billed under huge stars, 00:14:07.230 --> 00:14:09.590 Donald O 'Connor and Janet Leigh. So that routine 00:14:09.590 --> 00:14:11.610 was his big break into movies, really. Pretty 00:14:11.610 --> 00:14:15.379 much. How did such a specific and yeah. by today's 00:14:15.379 --> 00:14:17.899 standards, politically incorrect routine resonates 00:14:17.899 --> 00:14:20.019 so powerfully with audiences back then. And what 00:14:20.019 --> 00:14:22.480 does it tell us about how comedy evolves? Well, 00:14:22.480 --> 00:14:24.480 what's really compelling here is how that specific 00:14:24.480 --> 00:14:27.860 character portrayal, despite its, you know, undeniable 00:14:27.860 --> 00:14:30.120 problematic aspects looking back now. Definitely 00:14:30.120 --> 00:14:33.340 problematic. It absolutely captivated the public's 00:14:33.340 --> 00:14:36.460 imagination then. And it undeniably showcased 00:14:36.460 --> 00:14:39.179 Hackett's comedic genius in that particular era. 00:14:39.690 --> 00:14:42.629 To contextualize it within the 1950s, you have 00:14:42.629 --> 00:14:44.950 to acknowledge that ethnic caricature, while 00:14:44.950 --> 00:14:48.049 often insensitive, rooted in stereotypes we now 00:14:48.049 --> 00:14:50.789 find regrettable. It was unfortunately common. 00:14:50.929 --> 00:14:53.250 It was common, yeah. A comedic device across 00:14:53.250 --> 00:14:56.009 many forms of entertainment. Hackett's routine, 00:14:56.289 --> 00:14:58.610 while relying on that exaggerated dialect and 00:14:58.610 --> 00:15:01.490 stereotypes we rightly find offensive now, it 00:15:01.490 --> 00:15:04.240 succeeded then. because of his masterful physical 00:15:04.240 --> 00:15:06.700 comedy, his impeccable timing, and his ability 00:15:06.700 --> 00:15:09.440 to convey this universal sense of exasperation, 00:15:09.740 --> 00:15:11.639 of communication breakdown. So it tapped into 00:15:11.639 --> 00:15:14.259 something broader. I think so. The specific lines, 00:15:14.419 --> 00:15:16.860 the delivery typical of the era, tapped into 00:15:16.860 --> 00:15:19.179 something broader than just ethnic humor. Like 00:15:19.179 --> 00:15:21.799 the relatable chaos and frustration of service 00:15:21.799 --> 00:15:24.059 industries, the hustle of a busy restaurant, 00:15:24.460 --> 00:15:26.419 the universal experience of being misunderstood. 00:15:26.960 --> 00:15:28.759 It wasn't just mimicry. It was this powerful 00:15:28.759 --> 00:15:31.500 performance of frantic energy, exasperated sighs 00:15:31.500 --> 00:15:33.980 that audiences found universally amusing at the 00:15:33.980 --> 00:15:36.789 time. Connecting it to the bigger picture. It 00:15:36.789 --> 00:15:39.909 shows the potent power of a comedian to tap into 00:15:39.909 --> 00:15:42.909 cultural observations, create an enduring character, 00:15:43.149 --> 00:15:45.350 even as those observations and how they're presented 00:15:45.350 --> 00:15:48.809 evolved dramatically with changing societal norms. 00:15:49.350 --> 00:15:52.269 It undeniably catapulted him into national recognition, 00:15:52.710 --> 00:15:55.029 set a crucial stage for his film career. Now 00:15:55.029 --> 00:15:58.190 talk about high pressure gigs. In 1954, Buddy 00:15:58.190 --> 00:16:00.789 Hackett faced this immense challenge. He became 00:16:00.789 --> 00:16:03.570 an emergency replacement for Lou Costello. Lou 00:16:03.570 --> 00:16:07.070 Costello, half of Abbott and Costello. The legendary 00:16:07.070 --> 00:16:09.330 pair were slated for the film Fireman Saved My 00:16:09.330 --> 00:16:12.090 Child, also featuring Spike Jonze and his city 00:16:12.090 --> 00:16:15.230 slickers. But Costello suddenly got sick. No, 00:16:15.509 --> 00:16:17.750 no. Universal International, wanting to salvage 00:16:17.750 --> 00:16:20.370 the project, made a pretty daring move. They 00:16:20.370 --> 00:16:22.970 hired Hugh O 'Brien and Buddy Hackett to essentially 00:16:22.970 --> 00:16:25.830 take over the Abbott and Costello roles. They 00:16:25.830 --> 00:16:27.950 reconfigured the whole project so Spike Jonze 00:16:27.950 --> 00:16:29.970 and his band became the main attraction. Wow, 00:16:30.250 --> 00:16:32.789 stepping into those shoes. immense pressure. 00:16:33.169 --> 00:16:35.389 Totally. What did this early, really high stakes 00:16:35.389 --> 00:16:37.950 opportunity signal about Hackett's presence, 00:16:38.230 --> 00:16:40.330 his reliability, his growing reputation in the 00:16:40.330 --> 00:16:42.429 industry? Yeah, this incident raises an important 00:16:42.429 --> 00:16:45.710 point about adaptability and the industry's recognition 00:16:45.710 --> 00:16:47.970 of his unique talents, even pretty early on. 00:16:48.090 --> 00:16:50.740 They saw something in him. Definitely. To even 00:16:50.740 --> 00:16:52.860 be considered an adequate replacement for Lou 00:16:52.860 --> 00:16:55.840 Costello, even in a reworked project that speaks 00:16:55.840 --> 00:16:58.440 volumes about Hackett's already established comedic 00:16:58.440 --> 00:17:01.600 chops, his capacity to deliver under pressure. 00:17:01.860 --> 00:17:04.460 Costello had such a specific style, too. He really 00:17:04.460 --> 00:17:08.269 did. very specific, physical, high -energy comedic 00:17:08.269 --> 00:17:11.470 style, often played the bumbling, exasperated 00:17:11.470 --> 00:17:15.430 foil to Abbot schemes. Now, Hackett wasn't a 00:17:15.430 --> 00:17:17.349 direct impersonator, but he clearly had that 00:17:17.349 --> 00:17:21.230 unique combination of energetic, lovable, kind 00:17:21.230 --> 00:17:23.210 of bumbling persona that could successfully fill 00:17:23.210 --> 00:17:25.990 that void. He had that energy. He did. It demonstrated 00:17:25.990 --> 00:17:27.670 unequivocally he was someone who could carry 00:17:27.670 --> 00:17:30.569 a significant comedic load, learn a role quickly, 00:17:31.029 --> 00:17:33.049 integrate seamlessly into a high -profile production. 00:17:33.390 --> 00:17:35.329 This opportunity really highlighted his emerging 00:17:35.329 --> 00:17:38.250 reputation as a versatile, dependable, charismatic, 00:17:38.329 --> 00:17:40.730 comedic actor. It signaled to Hollywood. OK, 00:17:40.849 --> 00:17:43.789 this guy's ready. He absolutely was everywhere. 00:17:43.990 --> 00:17:45.490 For many of you listening, maybe you know him 00:17:45.490 --> 00:17:48.049 best from his film roles, but his television 00:17:48.049 --> 00:17:51.150 presence, arguably even more defining for a whole 00:17:51.150 --> 00:17:53.390 generation. Oh, unquestionably. Throughout the 00:17:53.390 --> 00:17:56.089 50s and 60s, Buddy Hackett became known to this 00:17:56.089 --> 00:17:59.730 massive audience through his seemingly endless 00:17:59.960 --> 00:18:03.920 always memorable TV appearances. He was a regular, 00:18:04.059 --> 00:18:06.779 much anticipated guest on variety talk shows 00:18:06.779 --> 00:18:10.200 hosted by giants like Jack Pair and Arthur Godfrey. 00:18:10.279 --> 00:18:12.460 The kings of talk back then. Absolutely. Known 00:18:12.460 --> 00:18:15.759 for his brash, often off -color jokes and captivating 00:18:15.759 --> 00:18:18.319 mugging at the camera. He was also a remarkably 00:18:18.319 --> 00:18:20.680 frequent guest on both Jack Pair's and later 00:18:20.680 --> 00:18:22.599 Johnny Carson's versions of The Tonight Show. 00:18:22.920 --> 00:18:25.140 Legendary runs on both. Get this, the great trivial 00:18:25.140 --> 00:18:27.440 pursuit fact. He holds the incredible distinction 00:18:27.440 --> 00:18:29.789 of making the most guest appearances in the history 00:18:29.789 --> 00:18:31.789 of The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson. The 00:18:31.789 --> 00:18:35.170 most ever. That's amazing. The most. And testament 00:18:35.170 --> 00:18:37.710 to his status, he had that coveted appearance 00:18:37.710 --> 00:18:40.950 on Pair's emotional final Tonight Show, March 00:18:40.950 --> 00:18:44.799 29th, 1962. Wow. End of an era moment. Totally. 00:18:45.480 --> 00:18:48.460 Beyond Tonight, he was a popular panelist, mystery 00:18:48.460 --> 00:18:51.619 guest on CBS's What's My Line, even filled in 00:18:51.619 --> 00:18:54.000 as emcee for the game show Treasure Hunt, made 00:18:54.000 --> 00:18:57.279 15 guest appearances on NBC's The Perry Como 00:18:57.279 --> 00:19:01.059 Show between 55 and 61. 15. He really was everywhere. 00:19:01.339 --> 00:19:03.880 What was it about his personality, his spontaneous 00:19:03.880 --> 00:19:06.619 style that made him such a magnetic, in -demand 00:19:06.619 --> 00:19:09.519 TV guest for decades? What's truly compelling 00:19:09.519 --> 00:19:12.460 there is how Buddy Hackett absolutely mastered 00:19:12.460 --> 00:19:14.960 the format of the variety and talk show. He turned 00:19:14.960 --> 00:19:16.660 it into his own personal comedic playground. 00:19:16.819 --> 00:19:19.180 He owned it. He really did. He wasn't just a 00:19:19.180 --> 00:19:21.539 comedian delivering rehearsed jokes. He was this 00:19:21.539 --> 00:19:24.640 dynamic, unpredictable personality, had this 00:19:24.640 --> 00:19:26.759 uncanny ability to adapt his boisterous humor 00:19:26.759 --> 00:19:29.400 for live audiences and connect directly, almost 00:19:29.400 --> 00:19:31.339 intimately with the camera, made millions at 00:19:31.339 --> 00:19:33.279 home feel like they were right there in the conversation. 00:19:33.480 --> 00:19:35.799 That connection was key. Absolutely. His quick 00:19:35.799 --> 00:19:38.220 wit, that slightly mischievous glint in his eye, 00:19:38.480 --> 00:19:41.589 his genuine, often unfiltered enthusiasm, made 00:19:41.589 --> 00:19:44.089 him captivating, unmissable. He felt incredibly 00:19:44.089 --> 00:19:47.630 authentic, raw. And audiences respond profoundly 00:19:47.630 --> 00:19:49.670 to that kind of genuine energy. You felt like 00:19:49.670 --> 00:19:52.250 you know him. Exactly. Connecting this to the 00:19:52.250 --> 00:19:55.930 bigger picture, this kind of consistent, unscripted, 00:19:56.170 --> 00:19:59.690 live TV exposure, built this incredible, almost 00:19:59.690 --> 00:20:02.349 familial rapport with the audience. He wasn't 00:20:02.349 --> 00:20:04.430 just a performer you watched. He felt like a 00:20:04.430 --> 00:20:07.009 familiar welcome, always entertaining presence 00:20:07.009 --> 00:20:09.430 in people's living rooms, a trusted friend who'd 00:20:09.430 --> 00:20:11.650 always deliver a laugh, often when you least 00:20:11.650 --> 00:20:14.609 expected it. His ubiquitous presence cemented 00:20:14.609 --> 00:20:17.549 his place not just as a comedian, but as a beloved 00:20:17.549 --> 00:20:20.250 fixture in the cultural consciousness for generations. 00:20:20.910 --> 00:20:23.970 His capacity for genuine, spontaneous humor was 00:20:23.970 --> 00:20:26.589 truly unmatched in that TV era. Okay, now this 00:20:26.589 --> 00:20:29.089 is an absolutely incredible piece of comedic 00:20:29.089 --> 00:20:31.150 trivia, often gets overlooked. Lay it on me. 00:20:31.329 --> 00:20:33.990 In a truly amazing historical connection, Buddy 00:20:33.990 --> 00:20:35.950 Hackett appeared alongside his roommate at the 00:20:35.950 --> 00:20:38.289 time, the legendary boundary -pushing comedian 00:20:38.289 --> 00:20:40.400 Lenny Bruce. Roommates with Lenny Bruce. Wow. 00:20:40.599 --> 00:20:43.099 On the Patrice Munsell Show between 57 and 58. 00:20:43.500 --> 00:20:45.099 And what's absolutely remarkable is that they 00:20:45.099 --> 00:20:47.960 famously called their comedy duo the Not Ready 00:20:47.960 --> 00:20:51.140 for Primetime Players. No, really. This predated 00:20:51.140 --> 00:20:53.299 the iconic cast of Saturday Night Live using 00:20:53.299 --> 00:20:56.700 the exact same name by a full 20 years. That 00:20:56.700 --> 00:20:59.180 is mind blowing. What does that fascinating nugget 00:20:59.180 --> 00:21:02.579 tell us about the vibrant, fertile, comedic environment 00:21:02.579 --> 00:21:05.150 Buddy Hackett was moving in back then? Well, 00:21:05.329 --> 00:21:08.009 this fascinating detail raises an important question 00:21:08.009 --> 00:21:11.009 about that fertile, often rebellious ground of 00:21:11.009 --> 00:21:14.410 comedy in the late 1950s. The pairing of Hackett's 00:21:14.410 --> 00:21:17.549 more accessible, boisterous, universally appealing 00:21:17.549 --> 00:21:21.009 style with Lenny Bruce's edgier, groundbreaking, 00:21:21.569 --> 00:21:24.809 often controversial social commentary. It's truly 00:21:24.809 --> 00:21:27.150 remarkable. Such different style. Totally different, 00:21:27.369 --> 00:21:30.150 yet roommates and collaborators. It speaks to 00:21:30.150 --> 00:21:33.130 a shared sensibility among this new wave of comedians 00:21:33.130 --> 00:21:36.009 who are actively challenging norms, pushing boundaries, 00:21:36.329 --> 00:21:38.490 experimenting with what comedy could be, even 00:21:38.490 --> 00:21:40.609 if their individual approaches were vastly different. 00:21:40.769 --> 00:21:43.509 A kind of comedic ferment. Exactly. It suggests 00:21:43.509 --> 00:21:46.829 a deep camaraderie, intellectual cross -pollination, 00:21:47.069 --> 00:21:49.750 mutual respect among these emerging talents who 00:21:49.750 --> 00:21:52.609 were all, in their own ways, carving out a new 00:21:52.609 --> 00:21:55.119 space in entertainment. They were, in essence, 00:21:55.359 --> 00:21:57.720 ahead of their time, crafting this rebellious, 00:21:58.019 --> 00:21:59.900 fresh brand of humor that would later become 00:21:59.900 --> 00:22:02.920 mainstream, profoundly influencing generations, 00:22:03.180 --> 00:22:05.900 including those who would eventually, maybe unknowingly, 00:22:06.319 --> 00:22:08.839 adopt their iconic moniker. It links Buddy Hackett 00:22:08.839 --> 00:22:11.180 to one of comedy's most revolutionary forces, 00:22:11.759 --> 00:22:14.380 paints a picture of a really exciting, unconventional 00:22:14.380 --> 00:22:16.579 period of experimentation in comedy. Now, this 00:22:16.579 --> 00:22:18.779 might be a genuine surprise for many of you listening, 00:22:18.880 --> 00:22:21.819 given his huge comedic fame. Buddy Hackett wasn't 00:22:21.819 --> 00:22:24.740 just about broad comedy. He also dipped his toes 00:22:24.740 --> 00:22:26.640 into dramatic roles. Yeah, interesting. Like 00:22:26.640 --> 00:22:29.460 what? He appeared twice on ABC's gritty western 00:22:29.460 --> 00:22:32.220 series The Riflemen, you know, with Chuck Connors 00:22:32.220 --> 00:22:34.440 and Johnny Crawford. The Riflemen. Classic show. 00:22:34.619 --> 00:22:37.940 In a 1959 episode, Bloodlines, he played Daniel 00:22:37.940 --> 00:22:40.400 Malachy, the sort of beleaguered father of three 00:22:40.400 --> 00:22:43.160 rowdy troublemaking brothers. Then, two years 00:22:43.160 --> 00:22:45.720 later, in the Clarence Bibbs story, he played 00:22:45.720 --> 00:22:48.700 Bibbs, a seemingly simple handyman who accidentally 00:22:48.700 --> 00:22:52.059 kills an outlaw. Whoa. Heavy stuff for a comedian. 00:22:52.250 --> 00:22:55.190 Right. And then the outlaws former partner surprisingly 00:22:55.190 --> 00:22:57.890 accepts it as an accident. So how did he fare 00:22:57.890 --> 00:23:00.329 in these dramatic turns? What did these less 00:23:00.329 --> 00:23:02.950 expected roles reveal about his range as an actor? 00:23:03.230 --> 00:23:05.170 Well, what's particularly fascinating here is 00:23:05.170 --> 00:23:07.470 heck, it's often unappreciated acting range. 00:23:08.150 --> 00:23:10.250 While he was, yeah, predominantly known for that 00:23:10.250 --> 00:23:13.109 overwhelmingly powerful, memorable, comedic persona. 00:23:13.269 --> 00:23:16.509 Impossible to forget. These guest roles in The 00:23:16.509 --> 00:23:19.190 Rifleman allowed him to showcase an entirely 00:23:19.190 --> 00:23:21.210 different side of his acting ability. It wasn't 00:23:21.210 --> 00:23:23.230 about getting laughs. It was about embodying 00:23:23.230 --> 00:23:25.650 characters with genuine depth, vulnerability, 00:23:26.190 --> 00:23:28.490 even a quiet intensity. Like Clarence Bibbs. 00:23:28.890 --> 00:23:31.490 Exactly. In Clarence Bibbs, for instance, he 00:23:31.490 --> 00:23:33.990 portrayed a man grappling with the moral, the 00:23:33.990 --> 00:23:36.480 emotional fallout of an accidental killing. That 00:23:36.480 --> 00:23:38.960 requires a nuanced emotional portrayal way beyond 00:23:38.960 --> 00:23:41.980 just comedic timing. These performances demonstrated 00:23:41.980 --> 00:23:45.000 his profound capacity for empathy, for characterization, 00:23:45.660 --> 00:23:47.660 suddenly proving his versatility as an actor, 00:23:47.920 --> 00:23:50.480 not just a comedian. Showed he had shops beyond 00:23:50.480 --> 00:23:53.779 laughs. It really did. It highlighted that a 00:23:53.779 --> 00:23:57.109 truly gifted performer can transcend genre. bring 00:23:57.109 --> 00:23:59.650 unexpected seriousness, authenticity when the 00:23:59.650 --> 00:24:02.369 role demands it. It broadened his artistic credibility 00:24:02.369 --> 00:24:05.390 beyond just being funny, showcasing a depth audiences 00:24:05.390 --> 00:24:08.670 rarely saw, but was clearly there. Okay, imagine 00:24:08.670 --> 00:24:11.950 this. Buddy Hackett sharing the screen live on 00:24:11.950 --> 00:24:15.000 television with a young carousel net. Wow, early 00:24:15.000 --> 00:24:17.559 Carol Burnett, that's amazing. It's a tantalizing 00:24:17.559 --> 00:24:20.359 glimpse into early TV. Hackett starred as the 00:24:20.359 --> 00:24:23.440 title character in NBC's Stanley. It was a sitcom 00:24:23.440 --> 00:24:27.019 that ran for 19 weeks, 1956 -57 season. Short 00:24:27.019 --> 00:24:29.319 run, huh? Yeah, short run. But this half -hour 00:24:29.319 --> 00:24:32.359 series also notably featured a young, incandescent 00:24:32.359 --> 00:24:34.480 Carol Burnett and the distinctive voice of Paul 00:24:34.480 --> 00:24:37.380 Lin. What a cast, Lin too. Yeah. It was a Max 00:24:37.380 --> 00:24:39.960 Liebman production, aired live before a studio 00:24:39.960 --> 00:24:42.220 audience, and it holds this significant place 00:24:42.220 --> 00:24:44.339 in history as one of the very last sitcoms from 00:24:44.339 --> 00:24:46.180 New York to do that before everything shifted 00:24:46.180 --> 00:24:49.079 to film. Live sitcoms. Must have been intense. 00:24:49.599 --> 00:24:52.160 Totally. The plot revolved around Stanley, played 00:24:52.160 --> 00:24:55.059 by Hackett, as the endearing kind of bumbling 00:24:55.059 --> 00:24:57.599 operator of a newsstand in a posh New York City 00:24:57.599 --> 00:25:00.900 hotel. Beyond its short run, what made this show 00:25:00.900 --> 00:25:03.079 significant for anyone curious about the history 00:25:03.079 --> 00:25:05.450 of the evolution of TV? Well, this unique show 00:25:05.450 --> 00:25:07.309 raises an important point about the evolution 00:25:07.309 --> 00:25:10.190 of TV production and that specific raw energy 00:25:10.190 --> 00:25:12.890 of live performance. Stanley represents this 00:25:12.890 --> 00:25:15.250 critical, fascinating bridge between the golden 00:25:15.250 --> 00:25:19.190 age of live TV, brimming with spontaneity, theatricality, 00:25:19.690 --> 00:25:22.430 and the eventual, more controlled shift to film 00:25:22.430 --> 00:25:25.019 sitcoms, which became the standard. That transition 00:25:25.019 --> 00:25:27.839 period. Exactly. The inherent challenge of performing 00:25:27.839 --> 00:25:30.460 a half hour comedy live week after week before 00:25:30.460 --> 00:25:33.180 a studio audience demanded an incredible level 00:25:33.180 --> 00:25:36.440 of skill, quick thinking, adaptability, qualities 00:25:36.440 --> 00:25:38.839 Hackett had in spades from his borscht belt and 00:25:38.839 --> 00:25:40.880 talk show background. He was built for live TV. 00:25:41.259 --> 00:25:44.440 He really was. The combined talents of Hackett's 00:25:44.440 --> 00:25:47.339 improvisational genius, a young, vibrant Carol 00:25:47.339 --> 00:25:49.759 Burnett and the instantly recognizable voice 00:25:49.759 --> 00:25:52.880 of Paul Linde. undoubtedly created this unique 00:25:52.880 --> 00:25:55.720 high -wire comedic dynamic. Even if the series 00:25:55.720 --> 00:25:58.180 itself wasn't a long -running smash hit, its 00:25:58.180 --> 00:26:00.279 production method was a testament to the raw, 00:26:00.359 --> 00:26:03.440 unscripted talent that early TV was drawing directly 00:26:03.440 --> 00:26:06.440 from the stage back then. Capturing a spontaneous 00:26:06.440 --> 00:26:08.799 theatrical quality that became increasingly rare 00:26:08.799 --> 00:26:11.519 as film took over, it's a snapshot of a really 00:26:11.519 --> 00:26:14.240 important transitional era. Okay, these next 00:26:14.240 --> 00:26:17.779 roles. Yeah. These truly cemented Buddy Hackett 00:26:17.779 --> 00:26:20.319 in cinematic history endeared him to completely 00:26:20.319 --> 00:26:22.500 different generations. Yeah, big ones. He appeared 00:26:22.500 --> 00:26:25.799 opposite the legendary Robert Preston as Marcellus 00:26:25.799 --> 00:26:28.819 Washburn in the classic 1962 film of The Music 00:26:28.819 --> 00:26:31.480 Man. Brought that delightful, slightly bumbling 00:26:31.480 --> 00:26:34.740 charm. She poopy. Classic, exactly. Then famously 00:26:34.740 --> 00:26:37.019 paired with the energetic Mickey Rooney as Benji 00:26:37.019 --> 00:26:39.619 Benjamin in the utterly madcap. It's a mad, mad, 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:42.559 mad, mad world in 1963. What a pair. Rooney and 00:26:42.559 --> 00:26:45.250 Hackett. And interestingly, that pairing actually 00:26:45.250 --> 00:26:47.690 built on their chemistry from Everything's Duckie 00:26:47.690 --> 00:26:50.269 in 61, where they played two sailors smuggling 00:26:50.269 --> 00:26:52.670 a talking duck onto a Navy ship. The talking 00:26:52.670 --> 00:26:55.549 duck. Right. And then for a whole new younger 00:26:55.549 --> 00:26:58.069 generation, kids became intimately familiar with 00:26:58.069 --> 00:27:00.829 them as the lovable hippie auto mechanic, Tennessee 00:27:00.829 --> 00:27:03.990 Steinmetz, in Disney's huge hit The Love Bug 00:27:03.990 --> 00:27:08.180 in 1968. Herbie's mechanic. loved him. So from 00:27:08.180 --> 00:27:11.799 a classic musical to a wild caper to a heartwarming 00:27:11.799 --> 00:27:15.640 Disney family film, what does this incredible 00:27:15.640 --> 00:27:18.079 expansive range of iconic film roles tell us 00:27:18.079 --> 00:27:20.740 about his universal appeal, his ability to adapt 00:27:20.740 --> 00:27:23.380 his comedic style across genres? Well, what's 00:27:23.380 --> 00:27:25.099 truly compelling here is the sheer diversity 00:27:25.099 --> 00:27:27.539 and the enduring impact of these iconic roles. 00:27:28.059 --> 00:27:30.099 Buddy Hackett wasn't confined or typecast by 00:27:30.099 --> 00:27:32.140 his distinctive persona. Instead, he brought 00:27:32.140 --> 00:27:34.750 his unique brand of humor that instantly recognizable 00:27:34.750 --> 00:27:37.269 voice, his innate -like ability to character 00:27:37.269 --> 00:27:39.250 across wildly different genres and tones. You 00:27:39.250 --> 00:27:41.910 fit everywhere. He really did. In The Music Man, 00:27:41.970 --> 00:27:44.609 he was the charming, slightly naive sidekick, 00:27:44.930 --> 00:27:47.329 providing that heartwarming counterpoint to Preston's 00:27:47.329 --> 00:27:50.730 Harold Hill. In Mad, Mad World, he was part of 00:27:50.730 --> 00:27:53.529 this ensemble of comedic titans, holding his 00:27:53.529 --> 00:27:56.309 own with explosive energy, physical comedy, and 00:27:56.309 --> 00:27:58.789 that frantic race. Held his own is right. And 00:27:58.789 --> 00:28:01.529 in the love bug, he softened his boisterous persona 00:28:01.529 --> 00:28:05.009 to create this genuinely lovable, slightly eccentric 00:28:05.009 --> 00:28:07.769 character for families. Introduced himself to 00:28:07.769 --> 00:28:10.430 a whole new generation. Connecting this to the 00:28:10.430 --> 00:28:12.589 bigger picture, it shows an actor who had such 00:28:12.589 --> 00:28:15.069 command of his craft that he could inhabit supporting 00:28:15.069 --> 00:28:18.490 roles so fully with such memorable impact that 00:28:18.490 --> 00:28:20.509 they often threatened to steal the show. Left 00:28:20.509 --> 00:28:23.349 a lasting impression on millions, all ages. That 00:28:23.349 --> 00:28:26.039 adaptability again? Absolutely. It was key. Proved 00:28:26.039 --> 00:28:27.960 his humor and charm weren't limited to one type 00:28:27.960 --> 00:28:30.400 of audience or story, but resonated across the 00:28:30.400 --> 00:28:32.799 entire cultural spectrum. Now that's what I call 00:28:32.799 --> 00:28:36.480 a classic game show moment. Beyond film and TV 00:28:36.480 --> 00:28:40.200 series, in 64, Buddy Hackett had another successful 00:28:40.200 --> 00:28:43.160 Broadway stint with Richard Kiley and I had a 00:28:43.160 --> 00:28:46.680 ball. But he also became this beloved fixture 00:28:46.680 --> 00:28:49.309 on the game show circuit. appeared many, many 00:28:49.309 --> 00:28:51.829 times on the hugely popular Hollywood Squares 00:28:51.829 --> 00:28:54.509 in the late 60s and 70s. Yeah, Hollywood Squares, 00:28:54.509 --> 00:28:56.769 he was perfect for that. Perfect. And there's 00:28:56.769 --> 00:28:59.549 a particularly famous anecdote. In one episode, 00:28:59.809 --> 00:29:02.029 Hackett, who was Jewish, was asked which country 00:29:02.029 --> 00:29:04.750 had the highest ratio of doctors to populace. 00:29:04.930 --> 00:29:08.160 His quick -witted answer, Israel. Or, in his 00:29:08.160 --> 00:29:10.099 own words, with that mischievous twinkle, the 00:29:10.099 --> 00:29:13.859 country with the most Jews. The audience roared, 00:29:14.099 --> 00:29:16.019 of course. Hackett himself apparently thought 00:29:16.019 --> 00:29:19.200 the real answer was Sweden, but his answer turned 00:29:19.200 --> 00:29:21.880 out to be correct. It out. It was actually Israel. 00:29:22.059 --> 00:29:24.119 It was actually correct. For you, the listener, 00:29:24.259 --> 00:29:26.500 who might appreciate a good gotcha moment, a 00:29:26.500 --> 00:29:29.519 touch of surprising wit. This anecdote just perfectly 00:29:29.519 --> 00:29:32.519 highlights his quick thinking, the kind of spontaneous, 00:29:32.559 --> 00:29:34.960 often irreverent humor he brought to every single 00:29:34.960 --> 00:29:37.440 appearance. That wonderfully illustrates a crucial 00:29:37.440 --> 00:29:39.980 aspect of how seasoned comedians like Hackett 00:29:39.980 --> 00:29:42.579 leverage their persona, even in the structured 00:29:42.579 --> 00:29:44.400 setting of a game show. Right, it wasn't just 00:29:44.400 --> 00:29:46.720 about the answer. Not at all. Hackett's answer 00:29:46.720 --> 00:29:49.519 wasn't just a random guess. It was infused with 00:29:49.519 --> 00:29:52.319 his identity, delivered with impeccable comedic 00:29:52.319 --> 00:29:54.960 timing designed clearly to get a laugh, regardless 00:29:54.960 --> 00:29:57.400 of whether it was right or wrong. He just inherently 00:29:57.400 --> 00:30:00.859 understood the power of a provocative, but ultimately 00:30:00.859 --> 00:30:04.019 harmless, pinch line. Master of the moment. Totally. 00:30:04.960 --> 00:30:06.880 The fact that his playfully irreverent answer 00:30:06.880 --> 00:30:09.640 was correct just adds that extra layer to the 00:30:09.640 --> 00:30:12.359 legend. Showcases his unique blend of genuine 00:30:12.359 --> 00:30:15.099 lightning -fast wit, playful irreverence, and 00:30:15.099 --> 00:30:18.220 maybe a touch of surprising insight. It exemplifies 00:30:18.220 --> 00:30:20.660 his remarkable ability to turn any platform, 00:30:20.819 --> 00:30:23.099 however conventional, into an opportunity for 00:30:23.099 --> 00:30:25.900 spontaneous performance, deep audience engagement. 00:30:26.580 --> 00:30:29.099 reinforced his image as quick -witted, hilarious, 00:30:29.480 --> 00:30:32.160 utterly unpredictable, a true master of the comedic 00:30:32.160 --> 00:30:33.960 moment, even when the clock's ticking and you 00:30:33.960 --> 00:30:36.440 need a fact. Buddy Hackett's later career was 00:30:36.440 --> 00:30:38.940 just astonishingly diverse, really showcased 00:30:38.940 --> 00:30:41.599 his enduring appeal. From publishing poetry, 00:30:42.160 --> 00:30:45.099 to voicing animated seagulls, to embodying a 00:30:45.099 --> 00:30:47.980 comedy legend, he stayed incredibly prolific 00:30:47.980 --> 00:30:50.759 through the 70s and way beyond. The poetry, I 00:30:50.759 --> 00:30:53.460 didn't know. 1974 published a book of poetry 00:30:53.460 --> 00:30:56.170 called The Naked Mind of Buddy Hackett. Surprisingly 00:30:56.170 --> 00:30:58.970 introspective for a guy known for being so boisterous. 00:30:59.009 --> 00:31:01.930 Shows another side. Then, he cemented his status 00:31:01.930 --> 00:31:05.650 as a voice acting icon. Narrated the Rankin -Bass 00:31:05.650 --> 00:31:09.430 Christmas special Jack Frost in 79 as pardon 00:31:09.430 --> 00:31:12.490 me, Pete, but most famously, lent his unmistakable 00:31:12.490 --> 00:31:14.970 voice to that charming scatterbrained seagull 00:31:14.970 --> 00:31:17.589 scuttle in Disney's The Little Mermaid in 89. 00:31:17.769 --> 00:31:20.309 Scuttle, of course, the dinglehopper. Exactly. 00:31:20.609 --> 00:31:22.809 And the sequel returned to the scene in 2000. 00:31:22.849 --> 00:31:25.289 And not just comedy, he delivered a deeply dramatic 00:31:25.289 --> 00:31:28.470 performance as Lou Costello in the 1978 TV movie 00:31:28.470 --> 00:31:31.369 Bud and Lou, opposite Harvey Korman as Bud Abbott. 00:31:31.509 --> 00:31:33.420 Playing Costello. That must have been intense, 00:31:33.720 --> 00:31:36.160 required real depth. Absolutely. What does this 00:31:36.160 --> 00:31:38.880 incredible, wide -ranging exploration of different 00:31:38.880 --> 00:31:41.200 creative avenues tell us about his lasting appeal 00:31:41.200 --> 00:31:43.759 and his artistic curiosity? Well, what's truly 00:31:43.759 --> 00:31:45.700 compelling here is the sheer breadth and the 00:31:45.700 --> 00:31:47.660 unexpected nature of his creative output later 00:31:47.660 --> 00:31:50.900 on. His distinctive voice, so central to his 00:31:50.900 --> 00:31:53.559 stand -up, found this brand new life, a whole 00:31:53.559 --> 00:31:57.519 new, younger audience in animation. Millions 00:31:57.519 --> 00:32:00.200 of kids. Millions. As Scuttle, he introduced 00:32:00.200 --> 00:32:02.819 his unique cadence, his trademark timing, that 00:32:02.819 --> 00:32:06.220 inherent lovable quality to generations, cemented 00:32:06.220 --> 00:32:08.779 his voice in Disney lore, expanded his reach 00:32:08.779 --> 00:32:11.599 exponentially. Similarly, playing Luke Costello. 00:32:11.920 --> 00:32:14.880 That wasn't just mimicry. It was a deeply empathetic, 00:32:14.980 --> 00:32:17.279 dramatic performance. Allowed him to tap into 00:32:17.279 --> 00:32:19.380 the vulnerabilities, the profound, dramatic weight 00:32:19.380 --> 00:32:21.859 behind the comedic. His voice and face were just 00:32:21.859 --> 00:32:24.940 truly inescapable for decades. From Nobody Can 00:32:24.940 --> 00:32:28.319 Eat Just One to voicing Scuttle, Buddy Hackett 00:32:28.319 --> 00:32:31.119 was a constant presence in American homes. You 00:32:31.119 --> 00:32:33.640 couldn't miss him. Highly sought after for commercial 00:32:33.640 --> 00:32:36.799 work, regular TV ads for Tuscan Dairy popsicles, 00:32:37.039 --> 00:32:39.799 yogurt, made him instantly recognizable even 00:32:39.799 --> 00:32:42.650 out of context. In his most famous campaign, 00:32:43.069 --> 00:32:45.569 the one etched into collective memory. Gotta 00:32:45.569 --> 00:32:48.630 be Lay's. Lay's potato chips, absolutely. That 00:32:48.630 --> 00:32:51.329 iconic slogan, nobody can eat just one, ran from 00:32:51.329 --> 00:32:54.829 68 to 71. A classic campaign. In 1980, he even 00:32:54.829 --> 00:32:57.490 stepped back into hosting, led a syndicated revival 00:32:57.490 --> 00:32:59.690 of the classic Groucho Marx quiz show, You Bet 00:32:59.690 --> 00:33:02.170 Your Life, that would only lasted a year. Hosting 00:33:02.170 --> 00:33:05.279 Groucho's show. Big shoes to fill. Huge. He also 00:33:05.279 --> 00:33:07.559 had numerous guest spots. The Big Valley, The 00:33:07.559 --> 00:33:10.119 Love Boat, Murder, She Wrote, played Murray Gruen 00:33:10.119 --> 00:33:13.359 in No Laughing Murder in 87, LA Law, two episodes 00:33:13.359 --> 00:33:16.230 of The Fall Guy. He even guest starred on Space 00:33:16.230 --> 00:33:19.069 Rangers as a has -been comedian Lenny Hacker. 00:33:19.230 --> 00:33:21.309 Lenny Hacker, a parody of himself. That's brilliant. 00:33:21.750 --> 00:33:24.970 Brilliant self -aware stuff. And he did comedy 00:33:24.970 --> 00:33:27.450 specials for HBO, too. For you, the listener, 00:33:27.609 --> 00:33:30.710 these ads, these diverse TV roles, they're probably 00:33:30.710 --> 00:33:33.930 etched in your memory. How did this constant 00:33:33.930 --> 00:33:36.950 multifaceted presence contribute to his enduring 00:33:36.950 --> 00:33:39.690 household name status? Well, this comprehensive 00:33:39.690 --> 00:33:42.150 presence raises an important point about how 00:33:42.150 --> 00:33:45.000 seasoned performers maintain relevance, maintain 00:33:45.000 --> 00:33:47.920 that ubiquitous presence across constantly changing 00:33:47.920 --> 00:33:50.700 media landscapes. Adapting constantly. Hackett's 00:33:50.700 --> 00:33:53.559 remarkable ability to transition seamlessly live 00:33:53.559 --> 00:33:57.579 stage, film, network TV, then mastering the commercial. 00:33:57.900 --> 00:34:00.619 speaks volumes about his incredible marketability, 00:34:00.940 --> 00:34:04.220 his universal appeal. He just inherently understood 00:34:04.220 --> 00:34:06.339 how to connect with audiences whether selling 00:34:06.339 --> 00:34:09.059 a joke, embodying a character, or promoting a 00:34:09.059 --> 00:34:11.079 snack. He knew his audience. His distinctive 00:34:11.079 --> 00:34:13.199 voice, familiar face, became these instantly 00:34:13.199 --> 00:34:16.280 recognizable symbols of humor, comfort, relatability. 00:34:16.440 --> 00:34:19.099 The Lay's campaign, especially, transcended mere 00:34:19.099 --> 00:34:21.320 advertising. It became a cultural touchstone, 00:34:21.440 --> 00:34:23.480 a phrase instantly linked to both the chips and 00:34:23.480 --> 00:34:25.400 Hackett himself. You hear the phrase, you think 00:34:25.400 --> 00:34:28.380 of him. Exactly. He wasn't just endorsing products, 00:34:28.659 --> 00:34:31.699 he was infusing them with his unique, engaging 00:34:31.699 --> 00:34:35.500 personality, making them memorable. This multifaceted, 00:34:35.840 --> 00:34:39.139 highly adaptable approach made him a true multimedia 00:34:39.139 --> 00:34:42.070 star. In short, he remained a familiar, welcome, 00:34:42.250 --> 00:34:44.989 beloved figure in homes across America for decades, 00:34:45.550 --> 00:34:47.969 a truly rare feat in the fickle world of entertainment. 00:34:48.349 --> 00:34:50.570 Even in his final years, Buddy Hackett continued 00:34:50.570 --> 00:34:53.110 to bring laughter, warmth right up to the end. 00:34:53.449 --> 00:34:55.750 We're talking mistaken death reports, singing 00:34:55.750 --> 00:34:58.530 politicians, cherished late night storytelling. 00:34:58.869 --> 00:35:01.250 Always finding ways to connect. In April 98, 00:35:01.389 --> 00:35:04.230 he guest starred on that HBO political satire, 00:35:04.429 --> 00:35:07.500 Late Line. episode aptly titled Buddy Hackett. 00:35:07.739 --> 00:35:10.239 The plot centered on a news broadcast mistakenly 00:35:10.239 --> 00:35:12.500 reporting his death, led to these heartfelt, 00:35:12.780 --> 00:35:15.460 humorous tributes. Even real politicians Robert 00:35:15.460 --> 00:35:17.599 Reich and Dick Geffard appeared, paying tribute 00:35:17.599 --> 00:35:19.719 by singing along to Hackett's Shpoopy from The 00:35:19.719 --> 00:35:22.179 Music Man. Politicians singing Shpoopy for Buddy 00:35:22.179 --> 00:35:24.920 Hackett, that's amazing. Isn't it? In his very 00:35:24.920 --> 00:35:27.400 final years, he also had that recurring, much 00:35:27.400 --> 00:35:29.380 -loved spot on The Late Late Show with Craig 00:35:29.380 --> 00:35:32.550 Kilbourne called Tuesdays with Buddy. He'd share 00:35:32.550 --> 00:35:35.190 insightful stories, timeless routines, offered 00:35:35.190 --> 00:35:37.130 a glimpse into his rich career. Like holding 00:35:37.130 --> 00:35:40.750 court. A master class. Exactly. And in 99, he 00:35:40.750 --> 00:35:43.510 appeared in 13 episodes of Fox's short -lived 00:35:43.510 --> 00:35:46.269 action series, playing a security guard chauffeur 00:35:46.269 --> 00:35:49.889 named Lonnie Dragon. What do these poignant late 00:35:49.889 --> 00:35:52.369 -career anecdotes tell us about the industry's 00:35:52.369 --> 00:35:55.289 enduring affection for him and his own unwavering 00:35:55.289 --> 00:35:57.889 zest for life for performing? Well, what's truly 00:35:57.889 --> 00:36:00.429 compelling here is that even as he aged, Buddy 00:36:00.429 --> 00:36:02.889 Hackett remained not just relevant, but truly 00:36:02.889 --> 00:36:05.849 beloved, revered across various spheres. The 00:36:05.849 --> 00:36:08.059 Late Line episode... with actual politicians 00:36:08.059 --> 00:36:10.840 singing his songs, mistakenly eulogizing him, 00:36:11.179 --> 00:36:13.320 speaks volumes about the widespread affection, 00:36:13.679 --> 00:36:15.820 the cultural penetration, the respect he commanded, 00:36:16.300 --> 00:36:18.360 transcended entertainment into public life. He 00:36:18.360 --> 00:36:20.679 was more than just an entertainer. Absolutely. 00:36:21.159 --> 00:36:23.739 His Tuesdays with Buddy segments became this 00:36:23.739 --> 00:36:26.280 kind of informal oral history of American comedy, 00:36:27.059 --> 00:36:29.639 offered you, the listener, this direct intimate 00:36:29.639 --> 00:36:32.519 connection to a bygone era through the eyes and 00:36:32.519 --> 00:36:35.000 voice of a master storyteller. Allowed him to 00:36:35.000 --> 00:36:37.400 share his wisdom, life experiences, timeless 00:36:37.400 --> 00:36:40.079 humor in a more reflective, personal setting. 00:36:40.519 --> 00:36:42.639 Became a cherished ritual for many. Like appointment 00:36:42.639 --> 00:36:45.340 viewing. For sure. These late career appearances 00:36:45.340 --> 00:36:48.179 unequivocally underscore his role as a revered 00:36:48.179 --> 00:36:50.639 elder statesman of comedy. Someone whose presence 00:36:50.639 --> 00:36:53.019 was always welcomed, always guaranteed to be 00:36:53.019 --> 00:36:55.559 entertaining, always cherished, right up until 00:36:55.559 --> 00:36:59.079 his final bow. Profoundly showcases his enduring 00:36:59.079 --> 00:37:02.550 zest for life. for connection and for his craft. 00:37:02.750 --> 00:37:05.150 These are truly serious honors, a profound testament 00:37:05.150 --> 00:37:07.929 to a career that brought immeasurable joy, laughter 00:37:07.929 --> 00:37:10.190 to millions across generations. Well -deserved 00:37:10.190 --> 00:37:12.630 recognition. Buddy Hackett received several prestigious 00:37:12.630 --> 00:37:14.769 accolades. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk 00:37:14.769 --> 00:37:17.489 of Fame, a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs 00:37:17.489 --> 00:37:20.710 Walk of Stars, dedicated in 2000, solidified 00:37:20.710 --> 00:37:23.110 his place among the greats. Palm Springs royalty. 00:37:23.469 --> 00:37:26.829 He was also named a Disney legend in 2003 for 00:37:26.829 --> 00:37:29.090 his significant contributions, specifically, 00:37:29.090 --> 00:37:31.579 of course, for Scuttle. Disney Legends status 00:37:31.579 --> 00:37:35.460 is huge. Huge. And just recently, 2021, he got 00:37:35.460 --> 00:37:37.380 the well -deserved honor of induction into the 00:37:37.380 --> 00:37:39.960 New Jersey Hall of Fame, recognizing his roots, 00:37:40.179 --> 00:37:42.860 his impact. For you, the listener, seeing him 00:37:42.860 --> 00:37:46.340 recognized in such diverse, esteemed ways really 00:37:46.340 --> 00:37:48.760 puts his incredible impact, his lasting legacy, 00:37:48.840 --> 00:37:50.800 into a broader perspective, doesn't it? Yeah, 00:37:51.000 --> 00:37:52.940 connecting this impressive array of honors to 00:37:52.940 --> 00:37:55.239 the bigger picture. These awards aren't just 00:37:55.239 --> 00:37:57.400 for individual roles or brief moments of fame. 00:37:57.719 --> 00:38:00.139 They represent a lifetime of exceptional artistic 00:38:00.139 --> 00:38:03.059 contribution, profound cultural impact. It's 00:38:03.059 --> 00:38:05.760 the whole career. Exactly. His recognition as 00:38:05.760 --> 00:38:08.880 a Disney legend is particularly telling. Highlights 00:38:08.880 --> 00:38:11.760 how his distinctive voice, unique persona, heartwarming 00:38:11.760 --> 00:38:14.539 humor became this indelible part of cherished 00:38:14.539 --> 00:38:16.880 childhood memories for countless people. Enduring 00:38:16.880 --> 00:38:19.019 across generations, solidifying his place in 00:38:19.019 --> 00:38:22.530 pop culture. Scuttle is forever. Forever. The 00:38:22.530 --> 00:38:24.929 Hollywood Palm Springs stars, the New Jersey 00:38:24.929 --> 00:38:27.909 Hall of Fame, collectively celebrate a career 00:38:27.909 --> 00:38:30.510 that truly spanned the entirety of American entertainment, 00:38:31.170 --> 00:38:33.289 from humble beginnings to global recognition. 00:38:33.889 --> 00:38:36.369 These accolades unequivocally confirm his status, 00:38:36.690 --> 00:38:39.250 not just as a popular entertainer, but as a significant 00:38:39.250 --> 00:38:42.090 cultural figure whose multifaceted work had a 00:38:42.090 --> 00:38:45.369 lasting, deeply positive resonance. demonstrates 00:38:45.369 --> 00:38:47.869 the breadth and depth of his appeal. Beyond the 00:38:47.869 --> 00:38:49.989 raucous jokes, the boisterous public persona, 00:38:50.530 --> 00:38:53.050 there was clearly a devoted family man, a big 00:38:53.050 --> 00:38:55.530 heart, a guy who even lived in a house with this 00:38:55.530 --> 00:38:58.110 truly fascinating, almost unbelievable past. 00:38:58.110 --> 00:39:02.070 Oh, do tell. June 12, 1955, Buddy Hackett married 00:39:02.070 --> 00:39:04.579 Sherry Cohen. Partnership lasted a lifetime. 00:39:05.059 --> 00:39:06.980 They first lived in Leonia, New Jersey, late 00:39:06.980 --> 00:39:10.300 50s. Then, August 58th, if this sounds like something 00:39:10.300 --> 00:39:11.900 out of a movie, they bought the house previously 00:39:11.900 --> 00:39:14.519 owned by the deceased notorious crime boss, Albert 00:39:14.519 --> 00:39:17.139 Anastasia, in Fort Lee, New Jersey. Anastasia's 00:39:17.139 --> 00:39:19.519 house. Seriously. Seriously. After extensive 00:39:19.519 --> 00:39:21.179 renovations, they lived there through most of 00:39:21.179 --> 00:39:24.079 the 60s, made a home in this really storied location. 00:39:24.179 --> 00:39:26.320 That's incredible. Only Buddy Hackett. Right. 00:39:26.559 --> 00:39:28.699 They had three children, including their son, 00:39:28.800 --> 00:39:30.960 Sandy Hackett, who admirably followed his father 00:39:30.960 --> 00:39:34.300 into comedy, opened for him for years, later 00:39:34.300 --> 00:39:36.940 created a poignant one -man show about his dad 00:39:36.940 --> 00:39:40.059 after his death. Keeping the legacy alive. That's 00:39:40.059 --> 00:39:42.500 wonderful. And in a beautiful philanthropic turn, 00:39:42.719 --> 00:39:46.139 2003, just before he passed, Hackett and his 00:39:46.139 --> 00:39:48.860 wife established the Sanjita Animal Sanctuary 00:39:48.860 --> 00:39:51.659 in California's San Fernando Valley, a dedicated 00:39:51.659 --> 00:39:55.179 dog and cat rescue. Oh, that's lovely. Shows 00:39:55.179 --> 00:39:57.440 a softer side. And on a personal note, he was 00:39:57.440 --> 00:39:59.860 also an avid firearms collector, had a large 00:39:59.860 --> 00:40:01.960 collection he sold off later in life. What do 00:40:01.960 --> 00:40:03.820 these fascinating glimpses into his personal 00:40:03.820 --> 00:40:06.579 life reveal about Buddy Hackett, the individual 00:40:06.579 --> 00:40:08.679 beyond the entertainer for you listening? Well, 00:40:08.679 --> 00:40:11.139 what's genuinely fascinating here is that striking 00:40:11.139 --> 00:40:14.280 contrast between his often raunchy material, 00:40:14.699 --> 00:40:17.900 his boisterous public image and his clear, unwavering 00:40:17.900 --> 00:40:20.619 dedication to family, his profound commitment 00:40:20.619 --> 00:40:23.099 to causes like animal welfare. Two sides of the 00:40:23.099 --> 00:40:25.110 coin. It really raises that important question 00:40:25.110 --> 00:40:27.670 about the multifaceted, often complex nature 00:40:27.670 --> 00:40:30.349 of public figures. He didn't just entertain, 00:40:30.590 --> 00:40:33.590 he actively used his success, his resources, 00:40:33.670 --> 00:40:35.969 to support things he cared deeply about, like 00:40:35.969 --> 00:40:38.909 rescuing animals. Speaks to a profound compassion, 00:40:39.050 --> 00:40:41.869 a generous spirit. The Anastasia House Story. 00:40:41.909 --> 00:40:44.489 It adds this wonderfully quirky, almost Hackett 00:40:44.489 --> 00:40:47.170 -esque footnote to his personal life. Blends 00:40:47.170 --> 00:40:49.230 the ordinary with the extraordinary in a way 00:40:49.230 --> 00:40:51.929 that perfectly captures his unique charm. And 00:40:51.929 --> 00:40:54.559 his son, Sandy, not just following, but actively 00:40:54.559 --> 00:40:57.219 building on his father's legacy, shows a deep 00:40:57.219 --> 00:40:59.960 family bond, the powerful transmission of a unique 00:40:59.960 --> 00:41:02.880 artistic talent. These intimate details paint 00:41:02.880 --> 00:41:05.320 a rich complex picture of a man who was passionate, 00:41:05.619 --> 00:41:09.039 grounded, ultimately deeply caring, left a legacy 00:41:09.039 --> 00:41:11.519 extending far beyond stage and screen into tangible 00:41:11.519 --> 00:41:14.219 acts of kindness, familial devotion. A long, 00:41:14.280 --> 00:41:16.920 full life. lived on his own terms right up to 00:41:16.920 --> 00:41:19.059 the very end. In the early 90s, Buddy Hackett 00:41:19.059 --> 00:41:21.619 got diagnosed with severe heart disease, a serious 00:41:21.619 --> 00:41:23.960 problem. Yeah, very serious. However, with characteristic 00:41:23.960 --> 00:41:26.619 independence, he steadfastly refused to consider 00:41:26.619 --> 00:41:29.480 bypass surgery. Wow. Stubborn streak, maybe. 00:41:30.059 --> 00:41:32.780 Seems like it. His heart disease was, in fact, 00:41:33.199 --> 00:41:35.599 confirmed as the primary cause of his death on 00:41:35.599 --> 00:41:39.539 June 30th, 2003. Passed away peacefully at his 00:41:39.539 --> 00:41:43.599 beach house in Malibu, age 78. 78. A good long 00:41:43.599 --> 00:41:46.659 run. His son, Sandy, later clarified his dad 00:41:46.659 --> 00:41:49.000 had also suffered from diabetes for several years 00:41:49.000 --> 00:41:51.460 and tragically had a stroke nearly a week before 00:41:51.460 --> 00:41:54.119 his death, which also may have contributed to 00:41:54.119 --> 00:41:56.440 his demise. Ah, so multiple factors at the end. 00:41:56.579 --> 00:41:59.340 Yeah. For you, the listener, it's the culmination 00:41:59.340 --> 00:42:01.880 of this incredible life, truly lived fully in 00:42:01.880 --> 00:42:04.099 the public eye. A life filled with laughter, 00:42:04.440 --> 00:42:06.599 profound impact, and that unwavering spirit. 00:42:07.460 --> 00:42:09.280 Connecting this to the broader picture of his 00:42:09.280 --> 00:42:12.119 life and career, Buddy Hackett's passing really 00:42:12.119 --> 00:42:14.860 marked the poignant end of an era for a specific 00:42:14.860 --> 00:42:18.500 beloved brand of boisterous, heartfelt American 00:42:18.500 --> 00:42:20.579 comedy. A certain kind of comedy definitely passed 00:42:20.579 --> 00:42:23.179 with him. His resolute refusal of bypass surgery, 00:42:23.420 --> 00:42:25.980 while maybe medically ill -advised, speaks volumes 00:42:25.980 --> 00:42:28.079 about that strong -willed personality, that deeply 00:42:28.079 --> 00:42:30.300 independent spirit, characteristics he showed 00:42:30.300 --> 00:42:32.920 consistently throughout his career, a man who 00:42:32.920 --> 00:42:35.420 unequivocally lived and ultimately died on his 00:42:35.420 --> 00:42:37.880 own terms. Stayed true to himself. The combination 00:42:37.880 --> 00:42:41.079 of heart disease, long -standing diabetes, a 00:42:41.079 --> 00:42:43.829 recent stroke. underscores the quiet battles 00:42:43.829 --> 00:42:45.969 he fought behind the scenes, even as he continued 00:42:45.969 --> 00:42:48.909 bringing boundless joy and laughter to millions. 00:42:49.730 --> 00:42:52.289 It prompts us to reflect profoundly on the immense 00:42:52.289 --> 00:42:54.809 impact he had during his five -plus decades in 00:42:54.809 --> 00:42:57.510 entertainment and the truly unique void he left. 00:42:58.010 --> 00:43:00.130 Reminds us all of the inherent fragility of even 00:43:00.130 --> 00:43:02.949 the most robust, vibrant comedic spirits. So 00:43:02.949 --> 00:43:05.619 what does it all mean? We've taken this comprehensive 00:43:05.619 --> 00:43:08.500 journey from the spirited Catskills borscht belt 00:43:08.500 --> 00:43:11.000 to the dazzling lights of Broadway, from the 00:43:11.000 --> 00:43:13.000 silver screen to the intimate glow of the small 00:43:13.000 --> 00:43:15.840 screen, meticulously tracing the incredible, 00:43:15.880 --> 00:43:19.000 multifaceted trajectory of Buddy Hackett. Indeed. 00:43:19.420 --> 00:43:21.199 We've seen how Leonard Hacker, through sheer 00:43:21.199 --> 00:43:23.780 talent, tenacity, and that authentic, unfiltered 00:43:23.780 --> 00:43:27.449 persona, became Buddy Hackett. A man whose distinctive 00:43:27.449 --> 00:43:30.650 voice, unique humor, sheer undeniable versatility 00:43:30.650 --> 00:43:33.230 allowed him to connect so deeply with audiences 00:43:33.230 --> 00:43:35.170 for over half a century. That connection was 00:43:35.170 --> 00:43:37.969 everything. His remarkable ability to blend boisterous, 00:43:38.210 --> 00:43:40.610 often irreverent comedy with genuinely endearing, 00:43:40.809 --> 00:43:42.829 surprisingly vulnerable characters made him truly 00:43:42.829 --> 00:43:46.409 unforgettable. He was the lovable, slightly rumpled 00:43:46.409 --> 00:43:50.489 auto mechanic. The bumbling, yet heartfelt sidekick. 00:43:51.050 --> 00:43:54.469 The quick -witted, wise -cracking game show guest. 00:43:54.800 --> 00:43:57.940 the instantly recognizable voice of a beloved 00:43:57.940 --> 00:44:01.159 animated character. He was more than just a performer, 00:44:01.280 --> 00:44:04.559 he was a force of nature, a true American original 00:44:04.559 --> 00:44:07.420 whose charisma just leaped across every medium. 00:44:07.599 --> 00:44:10.760 He embodied a particular vibrant era of entertainment, 00:44:11.320 --> 00:44:14.539 yet his profound influence, the pure joy he brought, 00:44:15.000 --> 00:44:16.960 continued to resonate powerfully through time. 00:44:17.460 --> 00:44:19.539 He mastered the challenging art of making us 00:44:19.539 --> 00:44:21.900 laugh, but perhaps more profoundly, he mastered 00:44:21.900 --> 00:44:25.219 the art of being truly unequivocally That's maybe 00:44:25.219 --> 00:44:27.300 the biggest lesson. And graciously inviting us 00:44:27.300 --> 00:44:29.380 all along for that incredible, laughter -filled 00:44:29.380 --> 00:44:32.059 ride. For you, the listener, we sincerely hope 00:44:32.059 --> 00:44:34.880 this deep dive has given you a mood -enriched 00:44:34.880 --> 00:44:37.059 appreciation for Buddy Hackett's extraordinary 00:44:37.059 --> 00:44:39.500 life, his enduring legacy. The next time you 00:44:39.500 --> 00:44:41.539 hear that unmistakable voice or catch one of 00:44:41.539 --> 00:44:44.340 his classic timeless performances, we hope you'll 00:44:44.340 --> 00:44:46.639 have a much deeper understanding of the fascinating, 00:44:46.780 --> 00:44:49.119 complex, often surprisingly poignant journey 00:44:49.119 --> 00:44:51.260 behind that unforgettable laughter. And this 00:44:51.260 --> 00:44:53.219 deep dive leaves us with an important question 00:44:53.219 --> 00:44:55.820 to ponder. doesn't it? In a world constantly 00:44:55.820 --> 00:44:58.559 seeking the next big thing, the fleeting celebrity. 00:44:59.900 --> 00:45:02.719 What enduring, authentic qualities do you think 00:45:02.719 --> 00:45:05.800 allow certain performers like Buddy Hackett to 00:45:05.800 --> 00:45:08.380 not just achieve fleeting fame, but to truly 00:45:08.380 --> 00:45:11.900 become a timeless, beloved presence etched indelibly 00:45:11.900 --> 00:45:14.519 into our cultural memory? A truly powerful question 00:45:14.519 --> 00:45:16.539 to reflect on. Thank you for joining us on this 00:45:16.539 --> 00:45:18.820 deep dive into the remarkable life of Buddy Hackett. 00:45:19.199 --> 00:45:21.119 We'll be back soon with another exploration into 00:45:21.119 --> 00:45:23.320 the fascinating stories and personalities that 00:45:23.320 --> 00:45:24.679 continue to shape our world.