Buddy Hackett

Buddy Hackett – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Explore the life and legacy of Buddy Hackett: American comedian and actor known for his sharp wit, memorable film roles, and candid humor. Discover his biography, career milestones, and best quotes.

Introduction

Buddy Hackett (born Leonard Hacker; August 31, 1924 – June 30, 2003) was a beloved American comedian and film actor, known for his distinctive voice, self-deprecating humor, and ability to blend stand-up comedy with character roles. Over a career spanning decades, he moved fluidly between nightclub stages, television, and movies, leaving a legacy as a warm, witty performer whose jokes often shone a light on human foibles.

Early Life and Family

Buddy Hackett was born Leonard Hacker in Brooklyn, New York City, on August 31, 1924.

As a child, he experienced Bell’s palsy, which left lingering facial effects, and contributed to his slurred speech—a trait that later became part of his comedic identity.

Youth, Military Service & Early Comedy

After high school, during World War II, Hackett served in the United States Army for three years in an anti-aircraft unit.

He initially took the stage name Buddy Hackett (from Leonard Hacker) and attempted stand-up routines in Brooklyn clubs.

Career and Achievements

Nightclubs, Television & Stand-Up

Hackett became known as a “saloon comic”—a funnyman for more intimate, often rowdy club audiences—rather than a polished lecture-hall comedian. The Tonight Show and was reputed to have made more guest spots on Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show than almost any other performer.

Late in his life, he hosted a recurring segment called “Tuesdays with Buddy” on The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn, in which he shared anecdotes and performed short bits.

Film, Voice Acting & Memorable Roles

Hackett’s film and voice roles brought him into a wider public consciousness beyond the comedy clubs. Some of his notable roles include:

• Marcellus Washburn in The Music Man (1962)

• Benjy Benjamin in It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963)

• Tennessee Steinmetz in Disney’s The Love Bug (1968)

• Voice of Scuttle in The Little Mermaid (1989) and its sequel

He also had roles on Broadway and in television sitcoms (Stanley, 1956–57) and made guest appearances in numerous TV shows over the decades.

In addition to acting, Hackett ventured into writing, publishing a book of poetry titled The Naked Mind of Buddy Hackett.

Later Years, Personal Projects & Legacy

In his later years, Buddy Hackett and his wife Sherry Cohen established the Singita Animal Sanctuary in the San Fernando Valley, California.

He was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 2000 received a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars.

Hackett died on June 30, 2003, at his Malibu, California, home.

Personality, Style & Comedic Approach

Buddy Hackett’s comedic style was grounded in personal honesty, spontaneous improvisation, and an everyman sensibility. He embraced physical humor, vocal quirks, and self-deprecation.

He often spoke of the importance of delivery: in his own words, “Ninety-nine percent is in the delivery.” He was aware of how comedy depends not just on content, but how it is told.

His humor also frequently reflected everyday life—family, aging, relationships—with wit that masked deeper truths about human nature.

Famous Quotes by Buddy Hackett

Here are some of Buddy Hackett’s memorable and characteristically funny lines:

“As a child my family’s menu consisted of two choices: take it or leave it.” “I have the gift of laughter. I can make people laugh at will. In good times and in bad. And that I don’t question. It was a gift from God.” “Ninety-nine percent is in the delivery. If you have the right voice and the right delivery … you can say anything and make people laugh.” “I’ve had a few arguments with people, but I never carry a grudge. You know why? While you’re carrying a grudge, they’re out dancing.” “If it’s dirty, it’s not funny; but if it’s funny, it’s not dirty.” “Golf is more fun than walking naked in a strange place, but not much.” “My wife said to me, ‘I want to be cremated.’ I said, ‘How about Tuesday?’” “A comedian sees the world bent. I’m tangent to the circle.” “At the Sahara, the seats are banked and most of the audience is looking down at the stage … The people want to idealize a singer. They want to feel superior to a comic. … They can’t laugh at someone they’re looking up to.”

These quotes show his blend of observational humor, humility, and insight into the performer’s paradox—needing to make people laugh while being underestimated.

Lessons from Buddy Hackett’s Life & Career

1. Persistence pays off
   Hackett’s early performances didn’t always land—he failed many times before gaining traction. Yet he kept refining his act and voice.

2. Delivery matters
   Even the best joke falls flat without the right timing, tone, and personal inflection.

3. Use your uniqueness
   Hackett turned his speech, physicality, accent, and imperfections into comedic assets rather than liabilities.

4. Be relatable
   His humor dwelled in everyday life—marriage, family, growing older—which made audiences feel seen and engaged.

5. Reinvent across formats
   He moved between stand-up, film, television, voice acting, and writing—showing flexibility in a changing entertainment world.

Conclusion

Buddy Hackett remains a cherished figure in American comedy. His career bridged nightclubs, television, and film. He had the rare ability to sound casual and conversational while landing sharp, precise jokes. Through decades, he sustained a warmth and approachability—even when his humor was edgy.