Howard “Buddy” Jacobson (December 10, 1930, Brooklyn, New York) was a New York horseman, nightclub operator, and controversial figure whose life inspired My Buddy from Brooklyn. He was the son of Joseph Jacobson and Florence Jacobs and grew up in a Jewish family in Brooklyn with strong ties to horse racing, including his uncle, legendary trainer Hirsch Jacobs. Jacobson entered the racing world at a young age, working around Aqueduct, Belmont Park, and other East Coast tracks before becoming known for spotting undervalued horses and building connections across racing, nightlife, and modeling circles. During the 1970s, he expanded into Manhattan nightlife and later co-founded the My Fair Lady modeling agency. His life took a dramatic turn in 1980 following his conviction in the murder of Jack Tupper and his subsequent escape from the Brooklyn House of Detention, leading to a 39-day cross-country manhunt that cemented his place as one of the most controversial figures connected to horse racing and New York nightlife.