Buddy Hackett, the beloved comedian who brought joy to millions, faced a heartbreaking decline in his final years that few knew about. Behind the laughter and fame, a tragic story unfolded as he battled severe health issues, leaving his devoted wife, Sherry, to witness the painful journey.
Born Leonard Hacker in Brooklyn on August 31, 1924, Buddy grew up in a modest household. His father was an upholsterer, and his mother worked in the garment industry, both striving for a better life for their son. Despite facing challenges like Bell’s palsy and childhood bullying, Buddy found solace in humor, using comedy as both a shield and a weapon.
After serving in the U. S. Army during World War II, Buddy embarked on a tumultuous journey through the Borscht Belt, performing in small clubs before hitting Broadway in 1954.
His unique style and physical comedy soon caught Hollywood’s attention, leading to iconic roles in films like “The Music Man” and “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.” He also became a familiar face in commercials, most notably for Lay’s potato chips, and lent his voice to Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.”
While his career flourished, Buddy’s personal life took a turn when he met Sherry Cohen, a dance instructor. Their connection blossomed into a 48-year marriage, during which they raised three children. Sherry became Buddy’s anchor, often credited by him for keeping him grounded amid the chaos of fame.
However, as the years passed, Buddy’s health began to deteriorate. In the late 1990s, he was diagnosed with severe coronary heart disease but opted against surgery, choosing instead to manage his condition through medication. Unfortunately, this decision would haunt him as his health continued to decline.
In 1996, during a performance, Buddy experienced a terrifying episode of dizziness and shortness of breath, marking the end of his live touring career. He retreated from the spotlight, battling not only heart disease but also severe diabetes, which compounded his health struggles.
As Buddy’s physical condition worsened, he and Sherry found solace in a quieter life away from the entertainment industry, establishing the Singita Animal Sanctuary to care for neglected animals. This became their shared mission, providing Buddy with a sense of purpose in his later years.
Tragically, Buddy’s health took a drastic turn when he suffered a debilitating stroke in late June 2003. Surrounded by family at their Malibu home, he passed away quietly, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and love. His death was attributed to complications from diabetes and heart disease, conditions he had battled for years.
In the aftermath of his passing, Sherry faced the daunting task of rebuilding her life without her partner. Friends rallied around her, but the void left by Buddy was profound. She dedicated herself to the animal sanctuary they had founded, but without Buddy’s celebrity status, fundraising became increasingly challenging.
Despite facing rumors about financial struggles, Sherry was not left destitute. Buddy had built a substantial estate, though much of it was tied up in real estate. In October 2020, after years of holding onto their Beverly Hills home, she made the difficult decision to sell, marking a new chapter in her life.
As she navigated the complexities of widowhood and family dynamics, Sherry remained committed to preserving Buddy’s memory. She spoke openly about their life together, pushing back against misconceptions while honoring the legacy of the man who had made America laugh for decades.
What challenges did Sherry face as she moved forward, and how did she keep Buddy’s spirit alive in her heart?
