[MadMax, the Grinning Reaper]

Okay Hockey Puck. Rickles was around long before Archie Bunker, even in movies, maybe in the Borscht Circuit and possibly in the last days of vaudeville before TV took over the comedy circuit. Believe I saw him on the Ed Sullivan Show a number of times. Maybe even a quiz show though that might be later (my TV guides are in the basement).

He, Joey Bishop and Sammie Davis were the Jewish component of the Rat Pack. Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra were part of the Italian contingent. Peter Lawford represented the British. There were a few others. What a funny bunch of coconuts, and we loved all of them.

Many of them, including Rickles, were WW2 veterans long before they became comedians, actors and singers. Dean Martin’s son died while in a plane crash while serving in the Air Force (possibly Air National Guard/Reserve).

Don Rickles is, as the author wrote, a “Mensch” (Yiddish for gentleman). So to all you Hockey Pucks out there, on behalf of Mr. Rickles, have a laugh on him.

[fieldmarshaldj]

Don Rickles is a national treasure.

[MadMax, the Grinning Reaper]

Re my comments about Rickles. Checked Wikipedia and found a very good, comprehensive review of his life and accomplishments.

Served on a PT tender-boat( Navy) during WW2.
Appeared on TV throughout the 1950s, long before Archie Bunker was around. Also on a quiz show.

He’s the last man standing from “back then” and deserves the praise that he has gotten for his life and accomplishments.

[taildragger]

Outstanding post MM...

Found him and his album "Hello Dummy" during my HS years. A few of us darn near had the album memorized. It helped make us all un-PC, including one that went on to be a Police Chief now retired who Should be doing comedy, regardless of Rickles.

I have read someone has said that Hello Dummy might have helped us from melting down in the 68 thru 70' timeframe as he was an equal opportunity bash-er, and helped us laugh at the fact we are all flawed, Jew, Black, Italian, he jabbed them ( us ) all, and we laughed and weren't snowflakes that would melt and we realized we were all human and could get along.