Don Rickles

Photo of Don Rickles

Biography

The Master of Insults. Mr. Warmth. These were just a few of the labels given to actor and comedian Don Rickles, who in the course of a decades-long career on stage, film and television came to define the tone and persona of the insult comic. But despite his withering barrage of put-downs, Rickles remained a favorite of celebrities and audiences alike, thanks to both an unflaggingly quick wit and a genuine affection for his targets. Those …
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Job Title

Actor

Born

Donald Jay Rickles on May 8, 1926 in New York City, New York, USA

Career Milestones

2010

Reprised the voice of Mr. Potato Head in the animated feature "Toy Story 3"

2007

Received first Emmy for HBO documentary "Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project," directed by John Landis

2007

Published memoir Rickles' Book

2004

Cast opposite William H. Macy in the TNT special "The Wool Cap" as an elderly tenant

2000

Received star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (October 17)

1999

Once again voiced the character of Mr. Potato Head for "Toy Story 2"

1996

First appearance at NYC's Carnegie Hall

1995

Lent his voice to the character of Mr. Potato Head in the Pixar film "Toy Story"

1995

Returned to features as Robert De Niro's trusted colleague in Martin Scorsese's "Casino"

1993

Starred in another short-lived sitcom "Daddy Dearest" (Fox) with comedian Richard Lewis

1992

Received critical praise for his dramatic role in John Landis' "Innocent Blood"

1985

Performed with Frank Sinatra at Ronald Reagan's Second Inaugural Ball

1983

Co-hosted (with Steve Lawrence) the short-lived ABC series "Foul-Ups, Bleeps & Blunders"

Performed with singer Steve Lawrence in several Las Vegas concerts in the early 1980s

1976

Played title role on NBC sitcom "C.P.O. Sharkey"

1972

Starred in the CBS sitcom "The Don Rickles Show"

1970

Had a notable role as the con man Sgt. Crapgame in the hit film "Kelly's Heroes"

1968

Starred in his own variety show "The Don Rickles Show" (ABC) with Pat McCormick as his sidekick

1968

Released the live comedy album Hello, Dummy!

1967

Made frequent appearances on "The Dean Martin Show" (NBC) and became a fixture on Martin's roast specials

1965

First appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" (NBC)

1964

Appeared in the popular "Beach Party" film series with Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon in the 1960s

1958

Feature film debut in the submarine drama "Run Silent, Run Deep"

Big break came at the Slate Brothers, a Los Angeles nightclub

Appeared as stand-up comedian in nightclubs in the U.S.

Served in the U.S. Navy in World War II; honorably discharged in 1946

Awards

2008

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Performance In a Variety or Music Program in Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project

1991

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video For a Series in The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson: 28th Anniversary Special

1990

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video For a Series in The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson: 28th Anniversary Special