Don Rickles

Don Rickles is one of comedy’s most famous funnymen, in fact he is a comedic living legend. For over 55 years he has appeared in top showrooms and concert halls throughout the U.S. and internationally. He is regarded among the world’s top entertainers.

Rickles earned the nicknames “The Merchant of Venom” and “Mr. Warmth” (coined affectionately by Johnny Carson) for his style of humor in which he pokes fun at people of all ethnicities and walks of life.

Don appeared in major motion pictures and made guest appearances on multiple TV shows, from the 60’s to present day with appearances on Get Smart, The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Lucy Show, The Munsters, Gilligan’s Island, The Andy Griffith Show and I Dream of Jeannie, to most recently guest appearances with Kathy Griffin on her TV show, alongside Betty White in an episode of Hot in Cleveland, showed up as a talking rose during a Super Bowl commercial, had an HBO documentary on his life and career not to mention an oft seen Snickers commercial with Joe Pesci.

He been in films like Muscle Beach Party, Man with X-Ray Eyes, Kelly’s Heros with Clint Eastwood, HBO’s Tales From the Crypt, and the film Innocent Blood. He also appeared alongside Robert De Niro in Casino and was the voice of Mr. Potato Head in the Toy Story Franchise.

As his career progressed, Rickles often appeared on television talk shows. .He went on to become a frequent guest and guest host on The Tonight Show, appearing over 100 times during Carson’s tenure. To this day, Rickles continues to be a much sought after guest on the talk show circuit frequently appearing with such hosts as David Letterman, Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel and Craig Ferguson.

In the 70’s Rickles was a frequent and sought after guest on the Dean Martin Show and his celebrity roasts which continued into the mid 80s. All while recording comedy albums, doing standup, and starring in his own TV show C.P.O Sharkey, plus guesting on Hollywood Squares, and even having his likeness portrayed in a Comic book.

Another memorable TV appearance came in 1985. When Frank Sinatra was asked to perform at Ronald Reagan’s Second Inaugural Ball, he stipulated that he would not do so unless Don Rickles was allowed to perform with him.

Since 2000, he’s received the honor of having his “Star” put alongside the greats on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, written two books, won the prestigious “Johnny Carson Award for Comedic Excellence”, and was honored with the Friars Club’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Comedy.

In May of 2014, Spike TV, TV Land and Comedy Central aired “One Night Only: An All-Star Comedy Tribute to Don Rickles.” Honoring Don on the two-hour special, which emanated from the famed Apollo Theater in New York City.

Rickles continues to be very active on the stand-up comedy scene, and is still a popular performer in Las Vegas, Atlantic City and venues around the country. He has no plans to retire. In a recent interview he said, “I’m in good health. I’m working better than I ever have. The audiences are great. Why should I retire? I’m like a fighter. The bell rings and you come out and fight. My energy comes alive. And, I still enjoy it.”