Don Rickles

Don Rickles (born May 8, 1926) is an American comedian and actor.

Related Topics:
May 8 - 1926 - American - Comedian - Actor

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He was born in New York City to a Jewish family, and spent most of his early career doing stand up comedy, becoming known primarily as an "insult comedian". It is said that this characteristic developed when he replied to the audience's heckles by insulting the heckler back. The audience liked these insults more than his prepared material, so he developed that part of his act. There is a story that while working in a Los Angeles nightclub early in his career he spotted Frank Sinatra, and called out "Make yourself at home, Frank: hit somebody!"

Related Topics:
New York City - Jewish - Stand up comedy - Los Angeles - Frank Sinatra

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Rickles served in the US Navy aboard the USS Cyrene as a S1/c until 1946 when he was honorably discharged. Two years later he studied drama, and played occasional bit-parts on television alongside his work in nightclubs. In 1958, he made his film debut in Run Silent, Run Deep, and he went on to appear in a number of others. He also appeared as a crusty old Chief Petty Officer in the Navy themed sitcom "CPO Sharkey" from 1976 to 1978.

Related Topics:
USS Cyrene - S1/c - Nightclub - 1958 - Run Silent, Run Deep

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As his career progressed, he made more and more appearances on television talk shows, making his first appearance on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show in 1965. He would go on to make an estimated over 100 appearances on The Tonight Show throughout the rest of its run during Carson's era. From the 1970s, he made several appearances on Dean Martin's show.

Related Topics:
Johnny Carson - 1970s - Dean Martin

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Recently, he has made a return to film, appearing in Martin Scorsese's film, Casino, and voicing Mr. Potato Head in Toy Story and Toy Story 2.

Related Topics:
Martin Scorsese - Film - Casino - Toy Story - Toy Story 2

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Rickles has for many years also been known as "Mr. Warmth" (a satirical self-reference to his insult comedy schtick). Often when he is introduced to an audience or on a television talkshow, Spanish matador music will be played (subtlely foreshadowing that somebody is going to be metaphorically gored).

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