Don Rickles, Master Of The Comic Insult, Dead At 9

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Don Rickles, Master Of The Comic Insult, Dead At 90, Reports Say

The legendary comedian died Thursday at his home in Los Angeles, according to multiple reports.

By Todd Richissin (Patch National Staff) - April 6, 2017 2:54 pm ET 

Don Rickles, master of the comic insult and longtime nemesis of "dummies" and "hockey pucks" worldwide, died Thursday at his home in Los Angeles, according to multiple reports. He was 90. Rickles died of kidney failure, according to his publicist.

Flowers will be placed on the comedian's Hollywood Walk of Fame star, located in front of the El Capitan Theatre, at 1 p.m., the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce said.

Rickles, who broke into standup comedy in the 1950s, palled around with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and the "Rat Pack." He made his mark as one of the first and most famous insult comics, but he rarely got profane. As his fame grew, he appeared in television shows, movies and even voiced the Mr. Potato Head character in the children's movie "Toy Story."

Rickles was born in Queens, New York, on May 8, 1926.

Rickles originally wanted to be a dramatic actor, but he did stand-up comedy to make money. It was during those stints that he discovered his talent for hilariously lashing out at hecklers in the audience. He wound up making it a trademark of his act, and it made him a star.

Nobody was immune from Rickles' barbs. He famously earned big laughs from Frank Sinatra when Rickles spotted the crooner in the audience while he was performing, and Rickles said, "Make yourself at home, Frank. Hit somebody."

Rickles is survived by his wife of 52 years, Barbara Sklar, with whom he had two children. Their son, Larry, died in 2011.

Funeral services are expected to be private. Donations can be made to the Larry Rickles Endowment Fund at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

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