Posted on 04/06/2017 11:50:24 AM PDT by Impala64ssa
Don Rickles, one of the most legendary, iconic and influential comedians in history, has died.
We've learned Don died Thursday morning of kidney failure at his home in Los Angeles. His wife, Barbara, was by his side.
Don rose to fame in the '60s ... he got a huge boost by making regular appearances on "The Tonight Show" and "The Dean Martin Show."
Rickles got Frank Sinatra's attention in Miami Beach when he performed a comedy routine, and the 2 regularly worked together throughout the years.
Rickles was the best insult comic ever, and was a master at roasting celebs at The Friar's Club. Getting roasted by Rickles was a brutal badge of honor.
He started performing in Vegas in the '80s with Steve Lawrence and took the town by storm.
Don had his own TV show, "The Don Rickles Show," on ABC.
He played voice of Mr. Potato Head in the 'Toy Story' movies.
He also was a regular on "The Dick Van Dyke Show," "The Addams Family" and "Gilligan's Island."
Stuff he did with Sammy Davis Jr. was hilarious but would be considered hate crimes today in some places.
I remember when he was on I Dream of Jeannie and Get Smart. Sarcasm at its best.
Ping
Don Rickles roasted by Foster Brooks - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdPcjIrSvcs
F Troop, “Casino,” “Kelly’s Heroes.” The list must be endless.
I saw Rickles in Vegas once. He was having fun with a lady in the front row when he zinged her about her hair not being blond. The woman started crying immediately. Rickles stopped the show, went down to her, apologized and ordered her a bottle on champagne - all off mic. After he was sure she was Ok he restarted the show and got a standing O. I think that was one of the classiest things I have ever seen a performer do.
Thanks and RIP, Mr. Warmth ...
Rickles lived a very long, full life. It’s known that in the early 1960’s, he was quasi-associated with the famous Rat Pack in Las Vegas because Rickles was a stand-up comic in Las Vegas casino lounges and members of the Rat Pack would often show up at his performances.
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I remember him telling a story about Sinatra showing up late to one of his shows, which distracted the audience. Rickles yells out, “Hey Frank, make yourself feel at home. Hit somebody!”
I don’t doubt that.
A relative of my late husband was in show business and Knew Don Rickles personally.
He said that Don was one of the nicest human beings he had ever met.
RIP.
He played a minor but good straight guy role in one of those Las Vegas MOB movies. I can’t remember the title.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5_V9RT8aR8
Frank Sinatra is Surprised by Don Rickles on Johnny Carson’s Show
“His old routines would make perfect ammo for triggering the SWJ/BLM snowflakes, like this.”
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He was also one of the few who could rib Sinatra about mob connections and walk away with both legs unbroken:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5_V9RT8aR8
Nobody did it better than Rickles.
“Frank Sinatra is Surprised by Don Rickles on Johnny Carsons Show”
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You beat me to it, you hockey puck. (Insult in memory of the Great D.R.)
But it deserves a 2nd watch, anyway.
He said that Don was one of the nicest human beings he had ever met.
RIP.
“I remember him telling a story about Sinatra showing up late to one of his shows, which distracted the audience. Rickles yells out, Hey Frank, make yourself feel at home. Hit somebody!
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NY Post - “When the superstar singer and actor walked into a Miami Beach club in 1957 where Rickles was performing, the comedian greeted the Chairman of the Board from the stage: Make yourself at home Frank. Hit somebody. Sinatra roared with laughter.”
He and Bob Newhart were best friends. Would have loved to have listened in on one of their conversations!
RIP, Don.
He told a joke about Obama in front of a Hollywood audience after Obama was elected. He said he had Obama over to his house, but then the mop broke and Obama had to leave. Nobody can get away with that type stuff anymore. Rickles had no fear.
Oh My...
"CASINO" ...with Robert Di Nero, Joe Pespi, Sharon Stone, James Woods, Alan King...
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