Buddy Hackett, born Leonard Hacker on August 31, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York, was a beloved comedian known for his unique blend of cheerful vulgarity and charm. He honed his comedic skills in the Catskills, where he had once worked as a busboy and waiter, eventually transitioning to a successful career in stand-up comedy. With his teddy-bear body, goofy grin, and distinctive Brooklyn accent, Buddy had a way of delivering raucous, edgy jokes that seemed more like harmless mischief than offensive jabs. In his early career during the 1950s and 60s, Buddy Hackett's act was relatively clean, consisting of humorous routines about topics such as Chinese waiters, dating, and dieting. Hackett briefly took up boxing in his teens under the name "Butch Hacker," but it was comedy where he truly found his calling. After serving in World War II and finally losing his virginity at the age of 22, Buddy turned his attention fully to making people laugh. His Broadway debut came with a show called "Lunatics and Lovers," which led to his role in the 1956 television sitcom "Stanley." In "Stanley," Hackett played a newsstand owner alongside Paul Lynde and Carol Burnett, winning audiences with his lovable, bumbling character. In nightclubs, Buddy became known for his engaging performances and his Chinese waiter routine, where he affectionately lampooned stereotypes with twinkling eyes and a shy smile. His film career began at Universal Studios, where he was paired with Hugh O'Brien in "Fireman Save My Child." Although the film did not make a significant impact, Buddy found success in subsequent movies such as "Everything's Ducky" (1961) and the star-studded comedy epic "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World" (1964). His ability to play the innocent, wide-eyed character translated well to the screen and kept audiences entertained. Hackett's comedy took a racier turn as his career progressed. He became a fixture in Vegas, known for performances that incorporated graphic anecdotes and pushed the boundaries of accepted comedy norms. His uncensored style was on display during a memorable banquet in Minneapolis, where he shared the stage with Vice President Hubert Humphrey and was infamously asked to leave for his unrestricted comedy. During the 1970s and beyond, Buddy continued to make audiences laugh with his outrageous humor, appearing on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson and other platforms where he cheekily challenged the limits of broadcast standards. Despite the shift in his comedic persona, Hackett remained endearing to fans and avoided being seen as a merely dirty older man. Later in his career, Hackett attempted to revive the classic "You Bet Your Life" show but found it difficult to balance his charm with his riskier material in a way that resonated with daily viewers. His acting prowess, however, shone through in select roles, including his portrayal of Lou Costello in the TV film "Bud and Lou," for which he received high praise. Buddy Hackett's enduring appeal rested in his ability to deliver humor with a genuine sense of joy and mischievousness. Even into his 60s and beyond, he was seen as comedy's impish, rebellious child rather than as a provocateur. His blend of sweetness and shock earned him a devoted following, who saw Buddy not just as a comedian, but as a beloved, irreverent friend. Hackett passed away on June 30, 2003, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and an indelible mark on the world of comedy.