Is Red Buttons A-List?
NoB
No — Red Buttons is currently ranked B tier — a well-known figure with a strong career but not quite a household name.
Reached A-list in 1957
Oscar for 'Sayonara'
Lost A-list status in 1969
Dropped to B tier — 'They Shoot Horses, Don't They?'
Ranking Timeline
1952C$0.1M
The Red Buttons Show
Starts a popular television variety show.
1957A▲▲$1M+$0.9M
Oscar for 'Sayonara'
Wins an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
1969B▼$2M+$1M
'They Shoot Horses, Don't They?'
Receives critical acclaim for his performance.
1977B$3M+$1M
Appears in 'Pete's Dragon'
Appears in another well-known movie.
2006B$5M+$2M
Death at Age 87
Red Buttons passes away in Los Angeles.
2026B$5M
Remembered Comedic Actor
Buttons is remembered for his roles in film and television.
Last updated: February 25, 2026