When you think of Buddy Hackett, the legendary comedian and actor, you might picture him cracking jokes on stage or in films. But there’s another side to this funnyman that many don’t know—his role as a devoted father. Sandy Hackett, Buddy’s son, remembers his dad as someone who was "well-read, smart, and a strict disciplinarian." Imagine being 16 years old and getting a speeding ticket. Most parents would ground you for a week, right? Not Buddy. He banned Sandy from driving for 30 days! “Walk, get a ride, bicycle, take the bus. I don’t care,” Buddy told him. But once the punishment was over, Buddy showed his sense of humor by upgrading Sandy’s car with better tires, quipping, “If you’re going to drive that fast, you’ll need better tires.”
More Than Just a Dad: Buddy’s Generous Heart
Being a protective father didn’t stop at his own kids. Buddy had a big heart and often went out of his way to help others. Once, at the end of a film shoot in communist Hungary, Buddy helped an 18-year-old driver escape by hiding him in the trunk of his car. Can you imagine the courage it took to do that? That young man ended up living with the Hackett family, and Buddy made sure he got a top-notch education at Columbia University. Sandy Hackett shared this incredible story with Closer Weekly, painting a vivid picture of his father’s bravery and generosity.
From Brooklyn to Stardom: Buddy’s Humble Beginnings
Buddy Hackett wasn’t always a household name. He was born in Brooklyn and got his start in the Catskills, working as a tummler—a merrymaker who entertained resort guests. Early on, Buddy struggled with acting and stand-up comedy, but he didn’t give up. He refined his act, and soon audiences were laughing at his expressive face, cartoonish voice, and raunchy jokes. After making waves in Los Angeles, Buddy returned to headline in the Catskills, where he met the love of his life, Sherry Dubois. They tied the knot and stayed together for an incredible 48 years.
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Family First: Balancing Comedy and Home Life
Even with a demanding career filled with tour dates, TV shows, and movie roles, Buddy always found time for family. Skiing and golf were his favorite pastimes, and he often invited famous friends to join in the fun. “Lucille Ball and Gary Morton had a condo near us in Snowmass, Colo., and we hung out,” Sandy recalls. At home in Beverly Hills, the Hacketts were known for their lively gatherings. Every six months, Sherry cooked up a storm, inviting about 20 comedians like George Burns, Danny Thomas, and Bob Newhart for unforgettable luncheons. “The comedians would tell stories, and we’d laugh for hours,” Sandy says. “My mom wanted to record these get-togethers, but Dad wouldn’t let her. Eventually, she managed to get everyone together for a picture in the driveway.”
Following in Dad’s Footsteps: Sandy’s Journey in Comedy
Buddy loved what he did, but he didn’t want his son to follow in his footsteps. “He was really against it. He knew how tough the industry could be,” Sandy explains. When Sandy told his dad he’d landed a job as a stand-up comedian, Buddy’s reaction was both emotional and humorous. “Tears welled up in his eyes. He asked, ‘What last name are you using?’ I said, ‘Hackett.’ He said, ‘Why? All these years I spent building up the name, I’d hate to see you mess it up in one outing.’ We were both laughing, but he was crying. My dad was my greatest resource and best friend,” Sandy fondly remembers.
