Buddy Hackett profile Photo

Buddy Hackett

Stand-up Comedians

Birthday August 31, 1924

Birth Sign Virgo

Birthplace New York City, New York, U.S.

Age 78 Years

Date of death 30 June, 2003

Died Place Malibu, California, U.S.

#15,737 Most Popular

Who Is Buddy Hackett? Age, Biography, and Wiki

Buddy Hackett, born on August 31, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York, was an iconic American actor and comedian known for his unique voice and engaging performances. He passed away on June 30, 2003, but his enduring influence in the entertainment industry remains significant. Throughout his career, Hackett entertained audiences with his comedic timing and colorful storytelling, appearing in numerous films and television shows, including the classic Disney movie The Love Bug and the beloved sitcom The Dean Martin Show. A brief examination of his life reveals a man who brought laughter and joy to countless fans.

Occupation Stand-up Comedians
Date of Birth August 31, 1924
Age 78 Years
Birth Place New York City, New York, U.S.
Horoscope Virgo
Country Mali
Date of death 30 June, 2003
Died Place Malibu, California, U.S.

Popularity

Buddy Hackett's Popularity over time

Height, Weight & Measurements

Buddy Hackett stood at an impressive height of 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m) and had a robust build, typical of his comedic persona. Throughout his life, he was known for his energetic performances that often required agility and expressiveness rather than relying solely on physical appearances.

Family, Dating & Relationship Status

Buddy Hackett was married to his beloved wife, Sherri Hackett, from 1947 until his death in 2003. The couple had three children together, all of whom have continued their father’s legacy in various ways. Throughout his life, Buddy often celebrated the importance of family, balancing his demanding career with a commitment to being a dedicated husband and father. There have been no known relationships reported posthumously, as he was a devoted family man throughout his life.

Hackett was one of two children born into a Jewish family living in Brooklyn, New York. His mother Anna (née Geller) worked in the garment trades while his father Philip Hacker was a furniture upholsterer and part-time inventor.

Hackett grew up across from Public School 103 on 54th Street and 14th Avenue in Borough Park, Brooklyn, and was active in varsity football and drama club at New Utrecht High School. Hackett suffered from Bell's palsy as a child, the lingering effects of which contributed to his distinctive slurred speech and facial expression.

Net Worth and Salary

At the time of his passing, Buddy Hackett's estimated net worth was around $5 million. His wealth came from his extensive career in entertainment, including acting, voice-over work, and stand-up comedy. Despite being gone for years, the financial value of his contributions to cinema and television continues to resonate, with remnants of his work still earning revenue through reruns and streaming services.

Career, Business, and Investments

Buddy Hackett’s career spanned over five decades, starting in the 1940s. He became well-known not just for his acting but also for his stand-up comedy routines, which endearingly portrayed everyday life and human nature. Hackett’s voice became distinctive in the entertainment realm, leading to various voice roles, including that of Scuttle in Disney's The Little Mermaid.

In addition to his acting career, Hackett was involved in several business ventures and was known for his investments in the hospitality industry, particularly in the establishment of hotels and restaurants, enhancing his portfolio and allowing him to explore his entrepreneurial spirit.

Hackett's first job after the war was at the Pink Elephant, a Brooklyn club. It was here that he changed his name from Leonard Hacker to Buddy Hackett. He made appearances in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and continued to perform in the Catskills. He acted on Broadway, in Lunatics and Lovers, where Max Liebman saw him and put him in two television specials.

Social Network

Even in 2025, Buddy Hackett's legacy can be felt across various social media platforms, where fans continue to share clips of his performances and quotes. While he may not have had an online presence during his lifetime, many fan pages and tribute accounts exist today, celebrating his timeless work and contribution to comedy and film.

Hackett's movie career began in 1950 with a 10-minute "World of Sports" reel for Columbia Pictures called King of the Pins. The film demonstrated championship bowling techniques, with expert Joe Wilman demonstrating the right way and Hackett (in pantomime) exemplifying the wrong way.

There was an anecdote that, because of this appearance, Hackett received an offer to join the Three Stooges from Jules White, the head of Columbia short subject department, in 1952.

Curly Howard had suffered a debilitating stroke in 1946; his older brother Shemp Howard was intended to replace him only on a temporary basis until he fully recovered, but Curly died in January 1952.

It was said Hackett even joined Moe Howard and Larry Fine for a rehearsal, but turned down the offer eventually when he felt he did not fit with the act's comedy style and wanted to develop his own style as a solo act. This rumor was later dismissed as either untrue or unfounded.

Education

Hackett's education primarily took place in the heart of New York City, where he developed his passion for performance early on. He attended various schools and got involved in the arts, which paved the way for his impressive career in show business. While specific details about his formal education are sparse, his experiences in the vibrant New York entertainment scene and relentless pursuit of success became his life’s training ground.


While still a student, Hackett worked as a "tummler" (Yiddish for "tumult maker") entertaining guests in the Catskills Borscht Belt resorts. While there, he began performing stand-up comedy in the resort nightclubs as "Butch Hacker". He appeared first at the Golden Hotel in Hurleyville, New York, claiming later he did not get one single laugh.

Following his graduation from high school in 1942, Hackett enlisted in the United States Army and served during World War II for three years in an anti-aircraft battery.

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