Don Rickles
American insult comedian and actor known for his sharp wit.
He also voiced Mr. Potato Head in the first three films of the Toy Story franchise.
- died
- April 6, 2017
- field
- Stand-up comedy, acting
- nationality
- American
- known_for
- Insult comedy, Mr. Potato Head in Toy Story films, frequent talk show guest
Lore & Background
He became known as an insult comedian when he responded to hecklers, and his style was compared to that of older insult comic Jack E. Leonard, though Rickles denied Leonard influenced him. Warmth' for his poking fun at people of all ethnicities and walks of life.
Reader's Guide
His legacy includes influencing later comedians and his iconic voice role as Mr. Potato Head in the Toy Story franchise, which introduced him to new generations. He won a Primetime Emmy Award for the 2006 documentary Mr. His style, while controversial for its ethnic humor, was widely accepted as part of his persona, and he remained active until his death in 2017.
Did You Know?
- Rickles spoke Yiddish at home as a child.
- He originally intended to be a dramatic Shakespearean actor before turning to comedy.
- He earned the nicknames 'The Merchant of Venom' and 'Mr. Warmth'.
- He won a Primetime Emmy Award for the 2006 documentary Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Don Rickles?
Donald Jay Rickles (1926–2017) was an American stand-up comedian and actor born in Queens, New York City, best remembered for his decades-long career built around sharp, in-your-face insult comedy.
What made his comedy style so distinctive?
Rickles essentially turned the audience into his punchline, hurling playful put-downs and nicknames at them while they laughed along, a technique he refined over more than six decades of live performance.
What is his most well-known acting role?
He lent his gravelly voice to Mr. Potato Head in the first three Toy Story films, a part that introduced his sardonic delivery to a whole generation of moviegoers who may never have seen him on stage.
What was his connection to the Rat Pack?
Through a close friendship with Frank Sinatra, Rickles became a peripheral member of the Rat Pack circle and spent years as a headline act at Las Vegas hotel-casinos, while also becoming a familiar face on major talk and variety shows across the country.
When did Don Rickles pass away, and how old was he?
Rickles died on April 6, 2017, at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most recognizable insult comedians in American entertainment history.
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