Friday, July 14, 2006

Rest In Peace Red Buttons


I just heard that comdian/actor Red Buttons passed away. This is sad news to all lovers of old comedians of TV and Films. In the 1950's Mr. Buttons starred in his own variety series. The show was a big hit in the first year. His theme song called the "Ho Ho Song" was popular among the childern of the day. It started out on CBS in 1952 but during it's second year it started to fad and CBS canceled the series. NBC picked it up but ratings didn't improve so they took the unusual steps and changed it from a variety series into a sit-com. In this format Red was a TV star who was always getting into trouble. There were changes in the cast and the writing staff but nothing seemed to help and the show was canceled by May of 1955. He went on to a good career in movies. He was in one of my favorites The Posiden Adventure. This is the second person from the cast of that movie to die this year. He also came back to be in episodes of other TV shows from time to time. He was in an episode of the Cosby show and is famous for his "Never Had A Dinner" speech from the Dean Martin Roast in the 1970's.
I love old TV Guide covers and chose this one to show you. It shows Mr. Buttons as the character that he played so well. The nice, innocent, lonley guy who was looking for love. Hats off to you Mr. Buttons and I hope when you get to Heaven they will have a dinner for you. Posted by Picasa

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