Composer, actor, comedian and author, he joined ASCAP in 1963 and wrote several popular songs (which he often personally performed), including "Strange Things Are Happening" and "The Ho-Ho Song".
Got his stage name when he was a lad working at Dinty Moore's Tavern in the Bronx as a singer/waiter. He had to wear a uniform with 48 buttons, and with his red hair people started referring to him as Red Buttons. Biography in: "Who's Who in Comedy" by Ronald L. Smith. Pg. 80-81. New York: Facts on File, 1992. ISBN 0816023387 Was the oldest guest to appear on Dennis Miller Live. On the 6 August 1999 episode, he was 80 years, 6 months and 1 day old. Father of Adam and Amy, with wife Alicia. Has 2 children: Adam and Amy. Also, has a sister. Member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Actors Branch) Made a special Academy Awards appearance in 1998, at the 70th Annual Academy Awards, The (TV) (1998), and in 2005 at the 75th Academy Awards, The (TV) (2005) and participated in the Oscar Winners Tribute sequence along with other Academy Award winners.