Comic, Actor Red Buttons Dies

Red Buttons (2004 photo)

American comedian and Academy award-winning actor Red Buttons has died.

His publicist said the 87-year-old died of vascular disease at home in Los Angeles.

The flame-haired comic began his career on the vaudeville stages of New York. His Red Buttons Show made him a star in the early days of television, and he continued to appear in film and on television as recently as last year.

Known for his quick wit, he also tackled serious roles. Buttons received an Oscar as Best Supporting Actor in 1957 for his portrayal of a soldier in the movie Sayonara.