Don Rickles

Don Rickles - Jewish Actors, Birthday and Childhood

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Don Rickles Biography Stories 

Don Rickles's Personal Details

Don Rickles is the man behind the whole concept of insult comedy

InformationDetail
BirthdayMay 8, 1926
NationalityAmerican
FamousJewish Actors, Jewish Comedians, Film & Theater Personalities, Actors
SpousesBarbara Sklar
Known asDonald Jay Rickles
ChildrensLarry Rickles, Mindy Rickles
Universities
  • Newtown High School
Birth PlaceNew York
ReligionJewish
Height168
GenderMale
FatherJoseph Rickles
MotherFrances Rickles
Net Worth$30 million as of Apr 6,2017
Sun SignTaurus
Born inNew York

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Don Rickles's photo

Who is Don Rickles?

Popularly known as ‘The Merchant of Venom’, Don Rickles is a man who is always ready to hurl insults at you which will surprisingly make you laugh. Donald Jay ‘Don’ Rickles is one of the most respected and popular talents in the entertainment industry. His quick wit and funny remarks accompanied by his genuine affection for his audience makes him an irresistible combination of fun, amusement and laughter. He was a regular in celebrity roast circuits due to his incredible talent of making an insult sound inoffensive and funny. He attracted a lot of attention because his insults were mean and hurtful and also created a lot of buzz which added to his appeal. He started out as a conventional comedian performing rehearsed jokes but changed tracks on realizing that the audiences loved his impromptu insults more than the prepared material. His style endeared him to a number of fans that included the great Frank Sinatra. Knowing what a natural he is in comic insult and stand-up, it is difficult to believe that he originally intended to be a serious actor. His brand of insult comedy has earned him many nicknames such as ‘The Merchant of Venom’, ‘The Insultan’, ‘Mr. Warmth’ and ‘Master of Insults’. Don has surely set the bar high for stand-up comedians aspiring to follow in his footsteps.

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Childhood & Early Life

He was born in Queens, New York. His father, Max was in the clothing business and his mother, Etta was a housewife.

He attended the Newton High School in Elmhurst, Long Island.

After graduating, he enlisted in the U.S Navy and served during World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

He then studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts because he wanted to be a serious actor.

Career

He could only find small roles in television upon his graduation. He began performing stand-up comedy to supplement his income, eventually developing his ‘insult comedian’ persona.

He made his film debut in 1958 as a serious actor in ‘Run Silent, Run Deep’. He started making a lot of appearances in television sitcoms and dramatic series over the next few years.

After his first guest appearance in 1965, he went on and made more than a 100 appearances as a guest and host in ‘The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson’.

During the 1960s he made many guest appearances in shows like ‘The Rick Van Dyke Show’, ‘The Munster’. ‘The Adam’s Family’, and ‘The Mothers-in-law’.

He kick started the 1970s with a very important role in the hit movie ‘Kelly’s Heroes’ (1970) starring Clint Eastwood. He made a number of appearances in television comedies like ‘The Don Rickles Show’ (1972) and ‘The Dean Martin Roasts’ (1973).

He starred in the sitcom ‘C.P.O. Sharkey’ in 1976. The episode in which he broke Johnny Carson’s cigarette box became the highlight of the show.

He started performing with singer Steve Lawrence at concerts in Las Vegas in the 1980s; both of them also co-hosted series like ‘Foul-ups’ and ‘Bleeps & Blunders’ in 1983.

Don worked in ‘Tales from the Crypt’ (1990), ‘Innocent Blood’ (1992), ‘Casino’, ‘Toy Story’ (1995) and ‘Dirty Work’ (1998).

The 21st century brought with it new opportunities for Don. In 2000, he received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His major television and film projects for the decade included ‘The Wool-Cap’ (2004) and ‘The Aristocrats’ (2005).

His memoir titled ‘Rickles’ Book’ was released in 2007.

A documentary based on his life, ‘Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project’ was aired at the 2007 New York Film Festival and later on HBO.

Nearing 90, the great comedian shows so signs of slowing down. He still frequents late night talk shows like ‘Late Show with David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ and ‘The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson’.

Major Works

An important breakthrough for Rickles was when he signed on for his first appearance on ‘The Dean Martin Show’. His first guest appearance on the popular prime-time variety show was a major success for Rickles.

Rickles’ live comedy album ‘‘Hello, Dummy!’’ hit No. 54 on The Billboard 200 album chart.

He is remembered as the voice of the outspoken and sarcastic Mr. Potato Head in the computer animated comedy adventure film ‘Toy Story’ franchise.

The documentary film based on his life, ‘Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project’ is one of the best known works of his career. The film received favourable reviews and two Primetime Emmy Awards.

Awards & Achievements

He received Grammy nominations for Best Comedy Recording in 1968 for ‘Hello, Dummy!’ and in 1969 for ‘Don Rickles Speaks’.

He was awarded a star on the world famous Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2000 for his immense contribution to live theatre.

He won an Emmy for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program in 2008 for the documentary film ‘Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project’.

Personal Life & Legacy

He married Barbara Sklar on March 14, 1965. They had two children; a daughter Mindy and a son, Larry who died in 2011.

‘Rickles’ Book’ mentions that his grandchildren, Ethan and Harrison are much more impressed by his work as Mr. Potato Head than any other work.

His best friend is Bob Newhart and the two often vacation together with their wives. They have appeared together on many shows including ‘Newhart’.

He loves playing golf and tennis during his free time. Going to the movies is also one of his favourite leisure time activities.

Trivia

He is an immaculate imitator of Jack E. Leonard.

He made a surprise appearance as the dead husband of Elka on the original comedy ‘Hot in Cleveland’.

He was very good friends with Frank Sinatra and Don Adams.

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Don Rickles's awards

YearNameAward

Primetime Emmy Awards

2008Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music ProgramMr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project (2007)

Don Rickles biography timelines

  • // 8th May 1926
    He was born in Queens, New York. His father, Max was in the clothing business and his mother, Etta was a housewife.
  • // 1946
    After graduating, he enlisted in the U.S Navy and served during World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1946.
  • // 1958
    He made his film debut in 1958 as a serious actor in ‘Run Silent, Run Deep’. He started making a lot of appearances in television sitcoms and dramatic series over the next few years.
  • // 1965
    After his first guest appearance in 1965, he went on and made more than a 100 appearances as a guest and host in ‘The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson’.
  • // 14th Mar 1965
    He married Barbara Sklar on March 14, 1965. They had two children; a daughter Mindy and a son, Larry who died in 2011.
  • // 1968
    He received Grammy nominations for Best Comedy Recording in 1968 for ‘Hello, Dummy!’ and in 1969 for ‘Don Rickles Speaks’.
  • // 1970 To 1973
    He kick started the 1970s with a very important role in the hit movie ‘Kelly’s Heroes’ (1970) starring Clint Eastwood. He made a number of appearances in television comedies like ‘The Don Rickles Show’ (1972) and ‘The Dean Martin Roasts’ (1973).
  • // 1976
    He starred in the sitcom ‘C.P.O. Sharkey’ in 1976. The episode in which he broke Johnny Carson’s cigarette box became the highlight of the show.
  • // 1983
    He started performing with singer Steve Lawrence at concerts in Las Vegas in the 1980s; both of them also co-hosted series like ‘Foul-ups’ and ‘Bleeps & Blunders’ in 1983.
  • // 1990 To 1998
    Don worked in ‘Tales from the Crypt’ (1990), ‘Innocent Blood’ (1992), ‘Casino’, ‘Toy Story’ (1995) and ‘Dirty Work’ (1998).
  • // 2000 To 2005
    The 21st century brought with it new opportunities for Don. In 2000, he received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His major television and film projects for the decade included ‘The Wool-Cap’ (2004) and ‘The Aristocrats’ (2005).
  • // 2000
    He was awarded a star on the world famous Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2000 for his immense contribution to live theatre.
  • // 2007
    His memoir titled ‘Rickles’ Book’ was released in 2007.
  • // 2007
    A documentary based on his life, ‘Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project’ was aired at the 2007 New York Film Festival and later on HBO.
  • // 2008
    He won an Emmy for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program in 2008 for the documentary film ‘Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project’.

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Don Rickles's FAQ

  • What is Don Rickles birthday?

    Don Rickles was born at 1926-05-08

  • Where is Don Rickles's birth place?

    Don Rickles was born in New York

  • What is Don Rickles nationalities?

    Don Rickles's nationalities is American

  • Who is Don Rickles spouses?

    Don Rickles's spouses is Barbara Sklar

  • Who is Don Rickles childrens?

    Don Rickles's childrens is Larry Rickles, Mindy Rickles

  • What was Don Rickles universities?

    Don Rickles studied at Newtown High School

  • What is Don Rickles's religion?

    Don Rickles's religion is Jewish

  • How tall is Don Rickles?

    Don Rickles's height is 168

  • Who is Don Rickles's father?

    Don Rickles's father is Joseph Rickles

  • Who is Don Rickles's mother?

    Don Rickles's mother is Frances Rickles

  • What is Don Rickles's sun sign?

    Don Rickles is Taurus