Buddy Hackett

One of the most beloved standup comics of his day, Buddy Hackett was also, ironically, one of the raunchiest; his popularity hinged on his rare ability to be simultaneously lovable and dirty, his duck-squawk delivery and baby-faced countenance making even the most off-color joke seem somehow palatable. Born Leonard Hacker on August 31, 1924 in New York City, he was a perennial class clown prior to his entrance into the Army; upon returning from duty, he mounted a standup career, basing his most famous routine, "The Chinese Waiter," upon his experiences overseas. After gaining ...