Red Buttons

Red Buttons (born Aaron Chwatt; February 5, 1919 – July 13, 2006) was an American actor and comedian. He gained recognition for his role in the 1957 film Sayonara, for which he won an Oscar and a Golden Globe. Buttons received nominations for his performances in films such as They Shoot Horses, Don't They?, Harlow, and Pete's Dragon. In the 1962 film The Longest Day, he played the lead role of Private John Steele. Born Aaron Chwatt in Manhattan, New York City, Buttons began his career as an entertaining bellhop. It was during this time that he was given the nickname 'Red Buttons', which he used professionally throughout his career.