Actor Red Buttons dies at age 87

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Comedian and actor Red Buttons, who made his name on the 1950s television variety show "The Red Buttons Show," has died at the age of 87, his publicist said on Thursday.

Buttons, known for his red hair and diminutive stature, died of vascular disease at his Los Angeles area home, publicist Warren Cowan said.

Buttons' career spanned more than 60 years and included celebrated stints in film, on Broadway, television, comedy clubs and Las Vegas. He won an best supporting actor Oscar in 1957 for his role in "Sayonara."