Richard Totten “Dick” Button, born on July 18, 1929, in Englewood, New Jersey, was a pioneering figure in the world of figure skating. As a two-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time consecutive world champion, Button’s influence on the sport was unparalleled. His contributions extended beyond competition, as he became a celebrated broadcaster, commentator, and producer, making a lasting impact on the figure skating community. With an estimated net worth in the millions, Button amassed his wealth through competitive skating, television commentary, and production ventures.
Early Life and Background
Button was born into a privileged family, the son of George and Evelyn Button. His father, a successful lawyer, and his mother, a homemaker, provided him with a solid upbringing in Englewood, New Jersey. His introduction to skating came at a young age, but it wasn’t until he was 12 years old that he began training seriously under renowned coach Gus Lussi in Lake Placid, New York. His competitive drive was sparked when someone remarked that he would never be a great skater, pushing him to prove them wrong.
Button attended Englewood School for Boys (now Dwight-Englewood School) and balanced rigorous academic work with an intense training schedule. After graduating in 1947, he pursued his education at Harvard University, later obtaining a law degree from Harvard Law School in 1956.
Dominance in Competitive Figure Skating
Dick Button’s skating career took off in his teens. At just 16 years old, he won his first U.S. Championship, signaling the arrival of a generational talent. In 1948, at 18 years old, he became the first American to win an Olympic gold medal in figure skating at the Winter Olympics in St. Moritz, Switzerland. During this groundbreaking performance, he made history by landing the first-ever double Axel in competition, a move that redefined technical standards in skating.
Button continued his reign over the sport by winning five consecutive World Championships from 1948 to 1952. His most notable achievement came at the 1952 Winter Olympics in Oslo, where he defended his title and performed the first-ever triple jump (a triple loop) in competition, setting a new benchmark for figure skating difficulty.
Beyond competition, Button was an innovator in the sport. He is credited with inventing the flying camel spin, which was originally called the “Button camel”. His ability to blend technical prowess with artistry revolutionized the way figure skating was judged and performed.
Transition to Broadcasting and Media
After retiring from competitive skating, Button embarked on a successful career in broadcasting. His articulate and insightful analysis made him one of the most respected voices in figure skating commentary. He served as a color commentator for ABC Sports and NBC Sports for over five decades (1960–2010), earning a reputation for his candid and knowledgeable insights.
In 1981, Button won a prestigious Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Personality, a testament to his excellence in sports broadcasting. His work introduced figure skating to millions of viewers, shaping how the sport was presented on television.
Beyond broadcasting, he founded and produced the World Professional Figure Skating Championships, offering former amateur competitors a platform to continue their careers in professional skating. He also produced several made-for-TV sports events, including the Challenge of Champions, further expanding his influence in the sport.
Personal Life and Family
Button’s personal life was marked by relationships that shaped his later years. He was married to Slavka Kohout, a prominent figure skating coach, in 1975, though they later divorced. He had two children, Edward and Emily, who remained relatively private despite their father’s public legacy. Later in life, Button shared a long-term relationship with Dennis Grimaldi, his devoted partner.
Despite facing significant challenges, including a serious head injury from an assault in Central Park in 1978 and a fall in 2000 that resulted in a fractured skull, Button remained resilient. His passion for figure skating never wavered, and he continued to be a mentor and advisor to young skaters even into his later years.
Financial Standing and Net Worth
Dick Button’s estimated net worth was in the millions, accumulated through various streams, including his competitive skating career, broadcasting contracts, and production ventures. While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, his long-standing broadcasting career and business investments secured his financial stability.
Button’s residence in North Salem, New York, and his continued involvement in skating events underscored a comfortable lifestyle reflective of his professional success. His earnings from commentary, endorsements, and event productions solidified his financial position well beyond his competitive years.
Notable Facts and Legacy
- Button remains the only male skater to have simultaneously held the National, North American, European, World, and Olympic titles.
- He made his television skating debut on “We the People” on April 11, 1952, performing at Rockefeller Center.
- Button had a brief acting career, appearing in films such as “The Young Doctors” and “The Bad News Bears Go to Japan”.
- His production contributions to professional figure skating events provided skaters with long-term career opportunities.
- He mentored and advised young skaters, ensuring his expertise and passion for figure skating continued to influence future generations.