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In a 1972 interview he said, "Everything I play is based on comedy." He likes to weld sculptures, to paint impressionistically and to cook. He left home recently "to get away from my mother's cooking. Mother always cooked for 20 or 30 people even when there were only tow or three in the house." Buono talks about Bette Davis (BABY JANE): "Bette was a real bitch to work with. One time we were doing a little rehearsing before a scene, and I wanted to show her the courtesy of leading off, and she turned and prodded me and said, 'You're being paid to act and react, you fat slob, so react! Don't stand there like a damned idiot!' When Bob Aldrich, who was directing us, attempted to make Bette understand that I was only deferring to her courteously, she just grumbled, and continued to stand her ground, didn't even offer a grunt of apology." Buono found dead Friday morning January 1, 1982 at his home (a ranch) in Apple Valley, CA. He was 43. Earlier in the day Buono celebrated the new year at the home of brother David in Los Angeles. The body was discovered by a caretaker. Authorities at the San Bernadino coroner's office said the 6'3", nearly 400 pound actor apparently died of natural causes. Constantine Karos, Buono's lawyer and friend for nine years, said, "I think his heart gave out. He was very overweight and had put on some weight over the holidays as well. That's almost certainly the case." His body was found on the dining room floor. The
Wild Wild West Episodes Filmography |
Victor
Buono (Irish-Italian) was born on February 3, 1938 in San Diego,
CA. His maternal grandmother Myrtle Glied, who had been a performer
on the Orpheum Circuit, taught the already pudgy child songs and
recitals, which she encouraged him to deliver in public. When he
was 16, Father John Aherne at the St. Augustine High School in San
Diego cast him as the father in THE BARRETTS OF WIMPOLE STREET which
led to appearances on local radio and TV programs and finally at
18, to San Diego's Globe Theatre where a director later showed his
confidence in Buono by casting him in the title role of VOLPONE.
When Buono was 24, a Warner Brother's scout had him screen-tested
-- this lead to an appearance on 77 SUNSET STRIP. Other TV roles
included: UNTOUCHABLES, HAWAIIAN EYE, THE DETECTIVES, CHECKMATE,
THE CORRUPTORS, THRILLER, SUGARFOOT, BRONCO. It was in THE UNTOUCHABLES
that Robert Aldrich saw him and casted him in WHAT EVER HAPPENED
TO BABY JANE? (1962), for which Buono received an Oscar nomination.
Weighing 300 pounds and 6'3" tall, he has been cast mostly
as a heavy.
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