Buddy Hackett: Comedian and Actor Dies at 78

Buddy Hackett was an American comedian and actor, known for his raunchy stand-up and distinctive New York accent. Born Leonard Hacker on August 31, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York, he rose through the Catskills circuit.

He appeared in The Music Man (1962), It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963) and The Love Bug (1968) and voiced the seagull Scuttle in Disney's The Little Mermaid (1989). He was a frequent guest on The Tonight Show.

Hackett married Sherry Cohen in 1955 and had three children, including comedian Sandy Hackett. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He died at his Malibu beach house on June 30, 2003, at age 78, of heart disease.

Achievements: The Music Man (1962), voice of Scuttle in The Little Mermaid (1989), Hollywood Walk of Fame star.

Birth: August 31, 1924 - Brooklyn, New York.

Profession: Comedian and actor.

Interesting Facts: He once claimed he was offered a spot as the third Stooge.