As life takes many of us on different paths, some people grow distant from their parents. Not Sandy Hackett. "From the age of 18 on, I talked to my dad two or three times a day," Sandy, whose father was the legendary comic Buddy Hackett, exclusively tells Closer Weekly in the magazine’s latest issue, available now on newsstands. "He never called just to say, 'Hi, how are you doing?' Every call started with a story or a joke. I wish I had recorded all of them because they were so funny and priceless."
Sandy’s Tribute to Buddy: A Journey Through Laughter
Sandy, now 63, has made it his mission to honor his father’s legacy with a one-man show called My Buddy. The show dives deep into the life and career of Buddy Hackett, showcasing the humor and charisma that made him a household name. "Buddy was a consummate storyteller," Sandy says with admiration. "His jokes weren’t just about punchlines; it was the journey to the punchline that mattered. He had a way of making you laugh every step of the way, and that’s what made him so special."
Buddy’s Humble Beginnings and Challenges
Buddy Hackett’s road to success wasn’t always paved with laughter. Growing up in poverty in Brooklyn, he found his way into comedy by working at resorts in the Catskill Mountains. Despite the challenges, Buddy never let anything stop him, not even Bell’s palsy, a condition that affected his facial muscles. "It would make him tired, and sometimes he talked out of the side of his mouth," Sandy explains. "But instead of letting it hinder him, he turned it into a signature part of his act. That’s just who he was—resilient and resourceful."
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Buddy Hackett: The King of Comedy
Buddy quickly became a favorite of Johnny Carson, gracing The Tonight Show an impressive 106 times, more than any other guest. Beyond television, he starred in classic films like It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. "He couldn’t help but be funny," Sandy recalls fondly. "He had this cherubic look, like the Pillsbury Doughboy walking around, and it was impossible not to smile when he was around."
But for all his success on screen, Buddy’s most cherished role was being a devoted dad to Sandy and his daughters, Lisa and Ivy, from his 48-year marriage to Sherry Cohen. "As a father, he was extraordinary," Sandy shares. "He was wise, caring, and always wanted to know what was going on in our lives. He had this amazing ability to connect with people, whether they were family or strangers."
Tragically, Buddy passed away from heart disease in 2003 at the age of 78, but his legacy lives on through the laughter he brought to fans and his family. "He was incredibly wonderful," Sandy says with a smile. "And I’m proud to keep his memory alive."
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