Don Rickles dies at 90

Source: ABC News | April 6, 2017 | Monica Escobedo, Christopher Watson, Lesley Messer

Comedian Don Rickles died Thursday morning as a result of kidney failure, his publicist confirmed to ABC News.

The rep added that Rickles was at home in Los Angeles at the time of his death.

He would have turned 91 on May 8.

After serving two years in the Navy during World War II, Rickles set out to be an actor but transitioned to stand-up comedy. His put-downs of hecklers — he commonly called them “hockey pucks” — soon became his signature, introducing the idea of what came to be known as the insult comic.

Rickles burst onto the national stage after he began appearing on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” in 1965. He was a frequent guest, and it was Carson who dubbed Rickles “Mr. Warmth,” a nickname that stuck with him for the rest of his career.

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  • Consistent April 6, 2017 at 4:01 pm #14946

    Consistent April 6, 2017 at 4:01 pm #14947

    Consistent April 6, 2017 at 4:05 pm #14948

    Consistent April 6, 2017 at 5:00 pm #14950

    EVERYDAY April 7, 2017 at 8:49 am #14962

    In Rickles ‘memory, I watched videos of some of the old Celebrity Roasts where Rickles was one of the flame throwers. Hard to realize that most of these talented people exchanging barbs are gone now. Yesterday, Don Rickles joined them.

    Rickles was very funny, a talented comedian. Yes, he insulted everyone from presidents to even members of his audience. But it was harmless fun. Few of his targets were genuinely outraged. There is one story where Sidney Poitier was offended by what he perceived to be a slam against his race. But years later, Poitier praised Rickles for the talent that he was.

    Today, Rickles’ humor is lost on all the delicate little snowflakes the last couple of generations have produced. It’s unfortunate that so many people have become humorless. For heaven’s sake, LIGHTEN UP!

    Rest in peace, Don Rickles. Those of us with a sense of humor will miss you.

    • This reply was modified 7 years ago by EVERYDAY.
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