Don Rickles dies at 90
[Image credit: Muzul]
With a career spanning over 7 decades including numerous appearances on both The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and Late Show with David Letterman, Don Rickles has died at 90.
The comedian died of a kidney failure at his home in Los Angeles, CA alongside his wife Barbara, reports TMZ.
Rickles was truly known for the way he'd be able to insult and roast some of the top celebrities. He was a staple of The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast which went on for 10 seasons. During these specials, Rickles roasted celebrities such as then Governor Ronald Reagan, Kirk Douglas, Bob Hope and Lucille Ball.
However, it was his roast and later friendship with Frank Sinatra, that made Don Rickles a household name. Rickles had two live albums, Hello Dummy! and Don Rickles Speaks!, along with being featured in a variety of TV shows and movies.
One role that featured Rickles in a different light that most fans of him knew him in was his portrayal Mr. Potato Head in the Toy Story series. Rickles' final film role will be his voice featured in Toy Story 4, releasing in 2019.
Rickles has also won a variety of awards, including being immortalized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2000 along with winning an Emmy in 2007 for his performance in Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project. That documentary featured interviews from a variety of the world's top comics including Billy Crystal, Roseanne Barr and Robin Williams.
Some celebrities have already taken to Twitter with their reaction including Tom Hanks, Jason Alexander, and Billy Crystal.
Don Rickles has passed away.
A giant loss.— Billy Crystal (@BillyCrystal) April 6, 2017
Don Rickles, you kept us laughing for so many years. We will miss you dearly. Thanks for the zingers. You were one of a kind.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) April 6, 2017
Don Rickles was simply the best. He created insult comedy &yet every 1 of his targets felt loved and honored. One of a kind.#RIPdonrickles
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) April 6, 2017
A God died today. Don Rickles, we did not want to ever lose you. Never. Hanx.
— Tom Hanks (@tomhanks) April 6, 2017
Rickles was survived by his wife Barbara, a son and a daughter, along with two grandchildren. Variety reports that in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Larry Rickles Endowment Fund at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
