Born in the vibrant borough of the Bronx, New York City, to the late Isidore and Sadie Bugin, a talented individual who would go on to make a significant impact in the world of entertainment and beyond. He received his primary education through the New York Public School system, and later, he graduated from the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Bugin was a multi-instrumentalist, skilled in playing the bass, guitar, tuba, and other instruments. In 1957, he married Aphrodite Manickas, a woman who would go on to have a remarkable career in advertising that spanned three decades.
Initially, Manickas worked for McCann-Ericson Advertising Agency before transitioning to Ted Bates & Company/Advertising in 1958. During her 29-year tenure at Ted Bates, she served as a TV and Radio Commercial Production Business Manager, overseeing national accounts for various prominent brands, including Brown & Williamson, U.S. Navy, M&M/Mars, Warner Lambert, and many others.
The couple resided in Jackson Heights, New York, until Bugin's passing on October 6, 2005. Throughout his life, Bugin was a multifaceted individual, exceling in both the film industry and as a professional musician. He played with top "Big Bands" from 1947 to 1970, including Glenn Miller, Tex Beneke, Ray McKinley, Vaughn Monroe, and Sammy Kaye.
Bugin's stage credits are equally impressive, with notable roles in productions such as "Twigs" (1974),alongside Vivian Blaine, "Swede" (National Tour),"Twelve Angry Men" (Juror #10),and "Rita Hayworth Theatre".
