Don Rickles, who died April 6, 2017, at age 90 of kidney failure at his home in Los Angeles, CA, outlasted virtually all of his peers from the comedy and acting worlds. The insult comic earned a great nickname, Mr. Warmth.
The great comedian (and actor) was mourned by the Hollywood community that we was a big part of for decades. First though, Rickles‘ own final tweet, a romantic one to his wife, Barbara, on March 11, 2017, on the occasion of their 52nd anniversary.
We are celebrating our 52nd Wedding Anniversary March 14th. Happy Anniversary my dear wife, Barbara. You are my life. ❤️❌⭕Pussycat
(Me)— Don Rickles (@DonRickles) March 12, 2017
90 years with Don Rickles weren’t enough. One of the sweetest and most lovely people I had the pleasure of knowing. We miss you already
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) April 6, 2017
Don Rickles has passed away.
A giant loss.— Billy Crystal (@BillyCrystal) April 6, 2017
Don Rickles, such sharp hilarious wit in an era when an insult comic didn’t need to be vulgar to be funny. You will be missed -B #donrickles pic.twitter.com/448JH7bGSP
— Barbara Eden (@Barbara_Eden) April 6, 2017
Don Rickles. One of the bravest, funniest, and sweetest guys that ever performed. A dear pal that we will all sorely miss.
— Mel Brooks (@MelBrooks) April 6, 2017
From the late Joan Rivers Twitter account…
Joan with her lifelong friend and legendary comedian, Don Rickles at the Kraft Music Hall in 1968. Rest in peace, Don. pic.twitter.com/qV1l3rKpxW
— Joan Rivers (@Joan_Rivers) April 6, 2017
Once in a lifetime a comedian like #DonRickles comes along. And as good a friend as anyone could have. I love you and will miss you Don.
— David Steinberg (@david_steinberg) April 6, 2017
A God died today. Don Rickles, we did not want to ever lose you. Never. Hanx.
— Tom Hanks (@tomhanks) April 6, 2017
My friend, my dad, the funniest biggest hearted of them all. A beautiful husband and father. My heart is broken. Rest In Peace. Don Rickles.
— bob saget (@bobsaget) April 6, 2017
Stunned/saddened to hear Don Rickles passed away this morning. Just saw him again in LA recently–sharply funny onstage, sweet offstage.
— Harry Shearer (@theharryshearer) April 6, 2017
Don Rickles hugged me once. It’s all been downhill from there. God bless you, Rickles.
— Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) April 7, 2017
He was the love of my life . Don Rickles is funnier right now in death than most comics are in life. pic.twitter.com/jcWIhdJsgX
— Chris Rock (@chrisrock) April 6, 2017
David Letterman: “Such a professional, such a gentleman. I already miss him.”
Rest in Peace @DonRickles pic.twitter.com/J1wp0l0uJc
— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) April 6, 2017
Those were the days, my friend @DonRickles We thought they’d never end. We loved you so.
— Dick Van Dyke (@iammrvandy) April 6, 2017
Being skewered by Don Rickles was side-splitting funny.
A gentle soul with rapid fire wit. xoB pic.twitter.com/yl2mnT32Zz— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) April 6, 2017
Bob Newhart (and wife Ginnie): “He was called ‘The Merchant of Venom,’ but in truth, he was one of the kindest, caring, and most sensitive human beings we have ever known. We are devastated and our world will never be the same. We were totally unprepared for this.”
As I was standing nearby, #DonRickles once whispered in my wife’s ear, “What are you doing with a loser like him?” I was honored. #rip #sad
— Kevin Nealon (@kevin_nealon) April 6, 2017
Fellow comedian Jim Gaffigan…
RIP Don Rickles. Legend.
— Jim Gaffigan (@JimGaffigan) April 6, 2017
Related: When Rickles and Sinatra Joined Johnny
Watch Rickles roast Frank Sinatra
1 Comment
So sad to read earlier today of Don Rickles passing away. When I think of a true king of comedy he’s way up there as one of the greatest of all time. Grew up laughing along with my parents watching him whenever possible. I can’t think of a better guest on Carson’s Tonight show. And he was definitely the roast master preeminent king!! He was sharp and funny as hell up until the end the last few times I saw him on TV last year. RIP Don Rickles