NEW YORK — Dick Button was not just the most decorated male figure skater in history; he was also a pioneering force in the sport, credited with both innovative techniques and passionate promotion. He was instrumental in introducing the flying camel spin and explaining it to countless fans over the years.
Dick Button’s multifaceted career spanned athletics, acting, broadcasting, and entrepreneurship. Scott Hamilton, the 1984 Olympic champion, remarked, “Dick was a crucial figure in our sport. Every skater that came after him owes him in some way.”
Button passed away on Thursday in North Salem, New York, at the age of 95, as confirmed by his son, Edward. Although a cause of death was not provided, it was noted that Button had struggled with health issues in recent times.
The impact of Button’s contributions to figure skating was profound, with U.S. Figure Skating stating, “His groundbreaking style and acclaimed television commentary changed figure skating forever. His legacy will endure indefinitely. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones.”
His passing resonated even more deeply within the close-knit figure skating community, which was already mourning after a tragic incident involving an American Airlines flight and an Army helicopter near Washington, D.C. This awful accident claimed the lives of 14 individuals, including two young skaters, their mothers, and two former world champions who were coaching at the Skating Club of Boston — a place where Button had skated and maintained a lifelong connection.
In honor of his influence, the trophy room at the Skating Club of Boston bears Button’s name, and the club continues to host the Dick Button Artistic Figure Skating Showcase, an event designed to highlight the artistry and innovation inherent in figure skating.
Button’s journey in figure skating commenced in earnest after World War II. He made history as the first U.S. men’s champion, achieving the title at the young age of 16 when the national championships returned in 1946. Just two years later, he claimed gold in the St. Moritz Olympics, where competitions were held outdoors. Pioneering the double axel jump in competitions, Button also became the first American to clinch the men’s event, laying a strong foundation for future champions like Hamilton, Brian Boitano, and Nathan Chen.
“By the way, that jump had a cheat on it,” Button quipped once. “But the fact remains, I did it, and that was what mattered.”
This initial Olympic win launched Button into a new realm of dominance not only in skating but also within U.S. amateur sports overall. He was a trailblazer, becoming the first figure skater to receive the prestigious Sullivan Award in 1949; it would be over five decades before another figure skater, Michelle Kwan, would receive the honor in 2001.
In 1952, while attending Harvard, Button secured a second Olympic title at the Oslo Games, making history by executing the first triple jump — a loop — during the competition. Shortly thereafter, he also achieved a fifth world title before forgoing his amateur status, which at the time was a requirement for Olympic eligibility, to pursue professional skating performances.
“I had achieved everything I could have dreamed of doing as a skater,” Button reflected, sharing that he had obtained a law degree from Harvard in 1956. “The Ice Capades allowed me to stay connected to the sport, which was very important to me.”
Button transitioned to a prominent role as a television commentator, bringing a refreshingly candid perspective to figure skating. His Emmy Award-winning commentary made the sport accessible to audiences, guiding viewers through not only the fundamentals but also the subtleties most casual fans would overlook. He became a household name on ABC’s “Wide World of Sports,” much like Jim McKay.
Brian Boitano, the 1988 Olympic champion, described Button’s essential role in figure skating’s narrative, stating in Button’s autobiography, “Dick Button is the custodian of the history of figure skating and its quintessential voice. He made the words ‘lutz’ and ‘salchow’ part of our everyday vocabulary.”
After the tragic 1961 plane crash that claimed the lives of the entire U.S. figure skating team en route to the world championships, which were subsequently called off, Button played a pivotal role in persuading ABC Sports executive Roone Arledge to feature the 1962 event on “Wide World.” This marked the beginning of Button’s tenure as a commentator, effectively introducing figure skating to a broader television audience.
Later in his career, Button organized professional events that allowed skaters to monetize their skills after retiring from competitive skating. The World Professional Figure Skating Championships and Challenge of Champions offered a new path for stars like Hamilton and the legendary dance duo of Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, as well as Kurt Browning and Katarina Witt, to shine.
Button also dabbled in acting, appearing in shows and films including “The Young Doctors” and “The Bad News Bears Go to Japan.” Moreover, his production company, Candid Productions, was known for creating made-for-TV events such as “Battle of the Network Stars.”
“Dick Button fostered an open, honest environment in figure skating broadcasting where no topic was off-limits,” commented Johnny Weir, a three-time U.S. champion and current NBC Sports figure skating analyst. “He spoke candidly, regardless of whether his views were popular. His witty remarks were always in my thoughts while performing, and I aimed to impress him as much as I would want to for my coaches.”
Button’s legacy continues through his partner, Dennis Grimaldi, and his two children, Edward and Emily.
Dick Button’s multifaceted career spanned athletics, acting, broadcasting, and entrepreneurship. Scott Hamilton, the 1984 Olympic champion, remarked, “Dick was a crucial figure in our sport. Every skater that came after him owes him in some way.”
Button passed away on Thursday in North Salem, New York, at the age of 95, as confirmed by his son, Edward. Although a cause of death was not provided, it was noted that Button had struggled with health issues in recent times.
The impact of Button’s contributions to figure skating was profound, with U.S. Figure Skating stating, “His groundbreaking style and acclaimed television commentary changed figure skating forever. His legacy will endure indefinitely. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones.”
His passing resonated even more deeply within the close-knit figure skating community, which was already mourning after a tragic incident involving an American Airlines flight and an Army helicopter near Washington, D.C. This awful accident claimed the lives of 14 individuals, including two young skaters, their mothers, and two former world champions who were coaching at the Skating Club of Boston — a place where Button had skated and maintained a lifelong connection.
In honor of his influence, the trophy room at the Skating Club of Boston bears Button’s name, and the club continues to host the Dick Button Artistic Figure Skating Showcase, an event designed to highlight the artistry and innovation inherent in figure skating.
Button’s journey in figure skating commenced in earnest after World War II. He made history as the first U.S. men’s champion, achieving the title at the young age of 16 when the national championships returned in 1946. Just two years later, he claimed gold in the St. Moritz Olympics, where competitions were held outdoors. Pioneering the double axel jump in competitions, Button also became the first American to clinch the men’s event, laying a strong foundation for future champions like Hamilton, Brian Boitano, and Nathan Chen.
“By the way, that jump had a cheat on it,” Button quipped once. “But the fact remains, I did it, and that was what mattered.”
This initial Olympic win launched Button into a new realm of dominance not only in skating but also within U.S. amateur sports overall. He was a trailblazer, becoming the first figure skater to receive the prestigious Sullivan Award in 1949; it would be over five decades before another figure skater, Michelle Kwan, would receive the honor in 2001.
In 1952, while attending Harvard, Button secured a second Olympic title at the Oslo Games, making history by executing the first triple jump — a loop — during the competition. Shortly thereafter, he also achieved a fifth world title before forgoing his amateur status, which at the time was a requirement for Olympic eligibility, to pursue professional skating performances.
“I had achieved everything I could have dreamed of doing as a skater,” Button reflected, sharing that he had obtained a law degree from Harvard in 1956. “The Ice Capades allowed me to stay connected to the sport, which was very important to me.”
Button transitioned to a prominent role as a television commentator, bringing a refreshingly candid perspective to figure skating. His Emmy Award-winning commentary made the sport accessible to audiences, guiding viewers through not only the fundamentals but also the subtleties most casual fans would overlook. He became a household name on ABC’s “Wide World of Sports,” much like Jim McKay.
Brian Boitano, the 1988 Olympic champion, described Button’s essential role in figure skating’s narrative, stating in Button’s autobiography, “Dick Button is the custodian of the history of figure skating and its quintessential voice. He made the words ‘lutz’ and ‘salchow’ part of our everyday vocabulary.”
After the tragic 1961 plane crash that claimed the lives of the entire U.S. figure skating team en route to the world championships, which were subsequently called off, Button played a pivotal role in persuading ABC Sports executive Roone Arledge to feature the 1962 event on “Wide World.” This marked the beginning of Button’s tenure as a commentator, effectively introducing figure skating to a broader television audience.
Later in his career, Button organized professional events that allowed skaters to monetize their skills after retiring from competitive skating. The World Professional Figure Skating Championships and Challenge of Champions offered a new path for stars like Hamilton and the legendary dance duo of Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, as well as Kurt Browning and Katarina Witt, to shine.
Button also dabbled in acting, appearing in shows and films including “The Young Doctors” and “The Bad News Bears Go to Japan.” Moreover, his production company, Candid Productions, was known for creating made-for-TV events such as “Battle of the Network Stars.”
“Dick Button fostered an open, honest environment in figure skating broadcasting where no topic was off-limits,” commented Johnny Weir, a three-time U.S. champion and current NBC Sports figure skating analyst. “He spoke candidly, regardless of whether his views were popular. His witty remarks were always in my thoughts while performing, and I aimed to impress him as much as I would want to for my coaches.”
Button’s legacy continues through his partner, Dennis Grimaldi, and his two children, Edward and Emily.
