Dick Button, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time world champion, passed away on 30 January at the age of 95 in North Salem, New York.
His son, Edward Button, confirmed the death but did not share the cause, though Button had been in declining health.
Highlights
- Dick Button married Slavka Kohout in 1973 but divorced in 1984.
- Button and Kohout’s children, Edward and Emily Button, have made their marks in the entertainment industry.
- He also leaves behind his longtime partner, Dennis Grimaldi, a highly accomplished theater, movie, and TV producer with a Tony Award.
Button was known for his pioneering style and influential television commentary, both of which had a significant impact on figure skating.
His legacy continues to inspire the sport, and U.S. Figure Skating extended their deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
Dick Button Is Survived By His Two Kids, Edward And Emily Button And Partner Dennis Grimaldi
Dick Button married Slavka Kohout in 1973. The same year, Kohout left the Wagon Wheel Ice Skating Rink, where she was involved in the skating community.
Slavka was Janet Lynn’s coach for many years and helped guide her successful career in figure skating. Dick Button met Slavka through his connection with Janet.
The couple had two children, Emily and Edward before they divorced in 1984.
After their separation, Kohout continued her coaching career in New York City.
Kohout had an impressive skating career, earning the title of Midwestern Sectional senior ladies champion twice and securing a bronze medal at the 1950 U.S. junior ladies championships.
Later, she transitioned to a professional role, spending 17 years as the manager and head coach at the Wagon Wheel Ice Palace in Rockton, Illinois.
Sadly, she took her last breath in March 2024.
Their children, Edward and Emily Button, have made their marks in the entertainment industry.
Edward Button is a producer and the founder of Dark Arts.
He works with the International Cinematographers Guild (ICG), part of IATSE Local 600.
He attended Brunswick School and studied at the Institute of Performing Arts (ITP) at NYU.
Similarly, Emily Button works in the entertainment industry.
She has experience working at the Fremont Centre Theatre and was involved with Compulsions.
Emily studied at Williams College, where she gained the foundation for her career in the field.
Besides his children, he also leaves behind his longtime partner, Dennis Grimaldi, a highly accomplished theater, movie, and TV producer with a Tony Award to his name.
Dennis has produced various projects across multiple platforms as the head of Eye of the Beholder LLC.
He served as the executive producer for the Gypsy TV Musical in London. He was a producer for The Heidi Chronicles on Broadway and The Town – a classic musical comedy.
His past work includes being an associate producer on Spring Awakening Broadway and producing The Realistic Joneses.
Dick Button’s Legacy Is Invincible
Button’s influence on figure skating began after World War II.
At just 16 years old, he became the youngest U.S. men’s champion in 1946 when the competition returned.
He went on to win the gold medal at the 1948 St. Moritz Olympics, where the events were held outdoors.
Button made history by performing the first double axel in competition and became the first American to win the men’s event.
His success helped pave the way for future American champions like Hamilton, Brian Boitano, and Nathan Chen.
Additional Information
- After the 1961 plane crash that killed the U.S. figure skating team, Button convinced ABC Sports executive Roone Arledge to broadcast the 1962 event on Wide World of Sports.
- Later, Button helped organize professional events where skaters could earn money after their competitive careers ended.
- Events like the World Professional Figure Skating Championships and the Challenge of Champions gave skaters like Hamilton, Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean, Kurt Browning, and Katarina Witt new performance opportunities.
