Borsch belt comic was 78

Veteran US comic Buddy Hackett has died in Malibu at the age of 78.

The cause of death is not yet know, with his family saying he had been in "robust good health" until a few days ago.

His son Sandy, also a comic, said: "He was one of the greatest ever. He was a terrific father. He was my best friend. He prepared me very well for this day, but no matter how much you prepare, it still hurts."

Hackett, born Leonard Hacker in Brooklyn in 1924, was one of the Borscht belt Jewish comics who emerged from the nightclub circuit of the Fifties.

He was even invited to join the Three Stooges when Curly Howard, suffered a stroke in 1946, but Hackett - who has been described as "having a face like a plate of mashed potatoes" - thought it would stifle his own comedy style.

In the clubs of the Catskill Mountains, he earned a reputation for his prolific use of four-letter words - though he would accompany his crudity a schmaltzy sentimentality to soften the blow. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he did not employ writers - believing only he could style material to suit his style.

But he was not broadly liked among fellow comedians, according to Phil Berger's definitive book on the era, The Last Laugh, which says his sweetly comic face hid an arrogant temper. "If you don't get out of his way, he'll push you," one comic said.

However, he did form a friendship of sorts with Lenny Bruce, lending him money and getting him writing work - until Bruce's drug abuse put too much strain on the relationship.

Hackett was one of the first stage acts to break into radio, TV and movies, his rubber-faced looks securing him parts in such films as It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World and The Love Bug.

He hadn't worked professionally since 1996, when he became dizzy and short of breath onstage.

He leaves a wife, Sherry; Sandy; two daughters, Lisa and Ivy; and two grandchildren.

Published: 1 Jul 2003