Richard Totten Button was a highly influential American figure skater known for his athleticism and innovative contributions to the sport. A two-time Olympic champion (1948, 1952) and five-time consecutive world champion (1948-1952), Button was the first skater to successfully land a double Axel jump in competition and the first to land any triple jump (a triple loop). He also invented the flying camel spin. His athletic style, considered the "American School" of figure skating, contrasted with the more traditional European approach, ushering in an era of increased athleticism in the sport following World War II. Button also holds the distinction of being the only non-European man to win the European championship.
On April 11, 1952, Dick Button made his television debut, skating on the rink at Rockefeller Center for the show "We the People".
Dick Button appeared as a guest on the television show "I've Got a Secret" on October 13, 1954, as one of five former Olympic champions.
Dick Button began his decades-long career as a television commentator in 1960, covering the Winter Olympics for CBS. This marked the start of his prominent role in figure skating broadcasting.
In 1961, Dick Button provided commentary for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, broadcast by CBS.
Dick Button became a figure skating analyst for ABC Sports in 1962, covering major events like the U.S. and World Figure Skating Championships. This began his long association with ABC.
In 1963, Donald McPherson won the World Figure Skating Championship. He would later star in Dick Button's Ice-Travaganza in 1964.
In 1964, Dick Button co-produced an ice show titled "Dick Button's Ice-Travaganza" for the New York World's Fair. The show, which starred 1963 World Champion Donald McPherson, unfortunately faced financial difficulties and closed after a short run.
Dick Button married figure skating coach Slavka Kohout in 1975. The marriage would later end in divorce.
Dick Button was inducted into the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 1976, the same year it was established.
On July 5, 1978, Dick Button suffered a severe head injury after being assaulted by a group in Central Park.
Dick Button's contributions to sports broadcasting were recognized in 1981 when he received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Personality – Analyst.
On December 31, 2000, Dick Button suffered a skull fracture and serious brain injury from a skating fall. He recovered and later became a spokesman for the Brain Injury Association of America.
During the 2006 Winter Olympics, Dick Button provided commentary on loan from ABC and the popular "Push Dick's Button" segment debuted on the USA Network's Olympic Ice show.
The "Push Dick's Button" segment, where viewers submitted questions for Button to answer on air, continued to appear in various broadcasts, including the 2007 U.S. and World Figure Skating Championships.
In 2008, ABC removed the U.S. and World Figure Skating Championships from its broadcast schedule, ending Dick Button's long run as a commentator for the network.
In 2009, Dick Button served as a judge on the CBC's reality show "Battle of the Blades".
Dick Button served as a judge on the reality show "Skating with the Stars" and provided commentary for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
In 2025, a mid-air collision over the Potomac River resulted in the deaths of several individuals involved in the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, including members of the Skating Club of Boston, with which Button had a lifelong association. Button's death occurred less than a day after this tragic event.
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