Anthony DeSantolo, professionally known as Buffy Dee, was a remarkable individual, born on September 15, 1923, in Middletown, New York, to Italian-American parents.
As a child, Dee faced a significant challenge when he was afflicted with polio, an illness that left him wheelchair-bound for a brief period. However, he demonstrated remarkable resilience and was able to recover from the disease, although it left him with a slight limp that persisted throughout his life.
Dee's life was marked by a variety of pursuits and passions. He spent almost five decades residing in Miami, Florida, where he earned a law degree from the University of Miami. This impressive academic achievement was only one aspect of his multifaceted career.
In addition to being a talented drummer and club owner, Dee also acted in a select few films and television shows. One of his most memorable and hilarious performances was as Barney, the lovable but obese club owner, in the 1976 horror film Mako: The Jaws of Death.
Sadly, Dee's life was cut short when he passed away at the age of 72 due to complications from lung cancer in November 1995. Despite the challenges he faced, Dee left a lasting impact on those who knew him and his work continues to entertain audiences to this day.
