June 4, 2024 • 9 mins
Don Rickles: The Legendary Career of a Comedy Icon Born on May 8, 1926, in the bustling borough of Queens, New York, Donald Jay Rickles was destined for greatness. The son of Max and Etta Rickles, he grew up in a warm, loving Jewish household that nurtured his innate sense of humor and quick wit. From a tender age, young Rickles displayed an uncanny ability to elicit laughter from those around him, a talent that would later propel him to the pinnacle of the entertainment industry. As a student at Newtown High School, Rickles' magnetic personality and comedic prowess were already evident, endearing him to classmates and teachers alike. Upon graduating, he answered the call of duty, enlisting in the U.S. Navy during the tumultuous years of World War II. Serving as a seaman first class aboard the USS Cyrene, a motor torpedo boat tender, Rickles witnessed firsthand the sacrifices and camaraderie that defined this pivotal moment in history. Little did he know that his experiences in the Navy would shape his future career, imbuing him with the resilience, adaptability, and fearlessness that would become the hallmarks of his comedic style. With the war behind him, Rickles set his sights on the glittering world of entertainment. Driven by a passion for acting, he enrolled at the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts, eager to hone his craft and make his mark on the stage. However, the path to success was not without its obstacles. Despite his undeniable talent, Rickles found himself grappling with the harsh realities of the industry, facing limited opportunities and countless rejections. Undeterred by the challenges that lay before him, Rickles made a bold decision that would forever alter the course of his life. In the 1950s, frustrated by the scarcity of acting roles, he fearlessly ventured into the realm of stand-up comedy. It was in this arena that Rickles truly found his calling, armed with a sharp tongue, lightning-fast wit, and an audacious approach to humor that would soon set him apart from his peers. As he took to the stage in smoke-filled nightclubs, Rickles unleashed a torrent of insults and barbs that left audiences reeling with laughter. His unique brand of comedy, characterized by rapid-fire delivery and a seemingly fearless disregard for social niceties, quickly garnered attention. Word of his uproarious performances spread like wildfire, and soon, Rickles found himself commanding the respect and admiration of his fellow comedians and the public alike. Rickles' meteoric rise to fame can be traced back to a single, fateful night when the legendary Frank Sinatra graced one of his performances. As Rickles unleashed his trademark wit, sparing no one in the room—not even Sinatra himself—from his comedic onslaught, the atmosphere was electric. Sinatra, known for his own quick temper and sharp tongue, found himself captivated by Rickles' audacity and the sheer hilarity of his material. This serendipitous encounter proved to be the catalyst that would propel Rickles into the stratosphere of stardom. With Sinatra's seal of approval, doors that had once been firmly closed began to swing open wide. Rickles soon found himself gracing the stages of the most prestigious venues, his name emblazoned on marquees from coast to coast. Television appearances followed in rapid succession, with Rickles becoming a regular fixture on popular shows such as "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" and "The Dean Martin Show." His unfiltered, no-holds-barred approach to comedy resonated with audiences, who eagerly tuned in to witness his next verbal sparring match. It was during this time that Rickles earned the moniker "The Merchant of Venom," a title that would stick with him throughout his illustrious career, encapsulating his uncanny ability to deliver insults with a smile and leave his targets laughing in spite of themselves. While stand-up comedy remained the bedrock of Rickles' success, his talents extended far beyond the confines of the stage. As his popularity soared, Hollywood came calling, eager to harness his magnetic presence and comedic prowess for the screen. Rickles proved himself to be a versatile actor, effortlessly transitioning between television and film roles. From 1976 to 1978, he starred in the sitcom "C.P.O. Sharkey," showcasing his ability to carry a series with his larger-than-life personality. Guest appearances on beloved shows like "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and "Gilligan's Island" further cemented his status as a sought-after television personality, his mere presence guaranteeing a ratings boost and a bevy of laughs. On the silver screen, Rickles left an indelible mark with memorable performances in a wide array of films. He demonstrated his dramatic range in the gripping submarine thriller "Run Silent, Run Deep" (1958), holding his own alongside screen legends Clark Gable and Burt Lancaster. In the war comedy "Kelly's Heroes" (1970), Rickles brought his signature wit to the role of Staff S
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Don Rickles the legendary career of acomedy icon. Born on May eighth,
nineteen twenty six, in the bustlingborough of Queens, New York, Donald
J. Rickles was destined for greatness. The son of Max and Etta Rickles,
he grew up in a warm,loving Jewish household that nurtured his innate
sense of humor and quick wit.From a tender age, young Rickles displayed
an uncanny ability to elicit laughter fromthose around him, a talent that would
(00:23):
later propel him to the pinnacle ofthe entertainment industry. As a student at
Newtown High School, Rickles's magnetic personalityand comedic prowess were already evident, endearing
him to classmates and teachers alike.Upon graduating, he answered the call of
duty, enlisting in the U.S. Navy during the tumultuous years of
World War II. Serving as aseaman first class aboard the U s.
(00:45):
S. Syreene, a motor torpedoboat tender, Rickles witnessed first hand the
sacrifices and camaraderie that defined this pivotalmoment in history. Little did he know
that his experiences in the Navy wouldshape his future career, imbuing him with
the r resilience, adaptability, andfearlessness that would become the hallmarks of his
comedic style. With the war behindhim, Rickles set his sights on the
(01:07):
glittering world of entertainment. Driven bya passion for acting, he enrolled at
the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts, eager to hone his craft and make
his mark on the stage. However, the path to success was not without
its obstacles. Despite his undeniable talent, Rickles found himself grappling with the harsh
realities of the industry, facing limitedopportunities and countless rejections. Undeterred by the
(01:33):
challenges that lay before him, Ricklesmade a bold decision that would forever alter
the course of his life. Inthe nineteen fifties, Frustrated by the scarcity
of acting roles, he fearlessly venturedinto the realm of stand up comedy.
It was in this arena that Ricklestruly found his calling, Armed with a
sharp tongue, lightning fast wit,and an audacious approach to humor that would
(01:55):
soon set him apart from his peers. As he took to the stage and
smoke filled nightclub, ub Rickles unleasheda torrent of insults and barbes that left
audiences reeling with laughter. His uniquebrand of comedy, characterized by rapid fire
delivery and a seemingly fearless disregard forsocial niceties, quickly garnered attention. Word
(02:15):
of his uproarious performances spread like wildfire, and soon Rickles found himself commanding the
respect and admiration of his fellow comediansand the public alike. Rickles's meteoric rise
to fame can be traced back toa single fateful night when the legendary Frank
Sinatra graced one of his performances.As Rickles unleashed his trademark wit, sparing
(02:37):
no one in the room, noteven Sinatra himself, from his comedic onslaught,
the atmosphere was electric. Sinatra,known for his own quick temper and
sharp tongue, found himself captivated byRickles's audacity and the sheer hilarity of his
material. This serendipitous encounter proved tobe the catalyst that would propel Rickles into
the stratosphere of stardom. With Sinatra'sseal of approval, doors that had once
(03:00):
been firmly closed, began to swingopen wide. Rickles soon found himself gracing
the stages of the most prestigious venues, his name emblazoned on marquees from coast
to coast. Television appearances followed inrapid succession, with Rickles becoming a regular
fixture on popular shows such as TheTonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and The Dean
(03:21):
Martin Show. His unfiltered, noholds barred approach to comedy resonated with audiences
who eagerly tuned in to witness hisnext verbal sparring match. It was during
this time that Rickles earned the monikerthe Merchant of Venom, a title that
would stick with him throughout his illustriouscareer, encapsulating his uncanny ability to deliver
(03:42):
insults with a smile and leave histargets laughing in spite of themselves. While
stand up comedy remained the bedrock ofRickles's success, his talents extended far beyond
the confines of the stage. Ashis popularity sword, Hollywood came calling,
eager to harness his magnetic presence andcomedic prowess for the screen. Rickles proved
himself to be a versatile actor,effortlessly transitioning between television and film roles.
(04:09):
From nineteen seventy six to nineteen seventyeight, he starred in the sitcom CPO
Sharky showcasing his ability to carry aseries with his larger than life personality.
Guest appearances on beloved shows like TheDick Van Dyke Show and Gilligan's Island further
cemented his status as a sought aftertelevision personality, his mere presence guaranteeing a
(04:30):
ratings boost and a bevy of laughs. On the silver screen, Rickles left
an indelible mark with memorable performances ina wide array of films. He demonstrated
his dramatic range in the gripping submarinethriller Run Silent, Run Deep nineteen fifty
eight, holding his own alongside screenlegends Clark Gable and Burt Lancaster. In
(04:51):
the war comedy Kelly's Heroes Yah nineteenseventy, Rickles brought his signature wit to
the role of staff sergeant Crap GameCrap Mean, stealing scenes with his impeccable
timing and irreverent humor. Perhaps oneof Rickles's most enduring film contributions came in
the form of his voice work asMister Potato Head in the beloved Toy Story
franchise. His distinctive vocal performance breathedlife into the plastic Spud, endearing him
(05:15):
to a whole new generation of fansand solidifying his place in the hearts of
children and adults alike. Despite thelarger than life persona he projected on stage,
Don Rickles was a man of greatdepth, warmth, and unwavering devotion
to his family. In nineteen sixtyfive, he wed Barbara Sklarr, the
love of his life and his rockthroughout his remarkable career. Together, they
(05:38):
built a beautiful family, welcoming twochildren, Mindy and Larry, into the
world. Those who knew Rickles intimatelyspoke of his unwavering commitment to his loved
ones, a side of him thatstood in stark contrast to his on stage
persona. He was a doting fatherand a loving husband, often expressing his
deep affection and gratitude for his familyand heartfelt interviews. Rickles's success in the
(06:00):
entertainment industry was matched only by thelove and admiration he garnered from those closest
to him. A legacy etched inlaughter, accolades, and influence. Throughout
his illustrious career, Don Rickles amasseda treasure trove of accolades and honors,
a testament to his unparalleled contributions tothe world of comedy. In two thousand
and seven, he was awarded aPrimetime Emmy for his powerful performance in the
(06:25):
special Mister Warmth The Don Rickles Project, a fitting tribute to a man who
had brought warmth and laughter into thelives of countless individuals. The following year,
the Comedy Awards bestowed upon him theprestigious Johnny Carson Award for Comedic Excellence,
recognizing his indelible impact on the craftof comedy. Rickles's influence extended far
(06:46):
beyond his own performances, inspiring ageneration of comedians who followed in his footsteps.
His fearless approach to humor, hislightning fast wit, and his ability
to find laughter in the most unlikelyof places the standard for what it meant
to be a true comedy icon.Even as the years advanced, Don Rickles
showed no signs of slowing down.He continued to grace stages and television screens
(07:12):
his spirit as indomitable as ever,with each performance, he reaffirmed his status
as a living legend, a testamentto the enduring power of laughter and the
human spirit. On April sixth,twenty seventeen, at the age of ninety,
Don Rickles took his final bow,leaving behind a world forever changed by
his presence. The outpouring of loveand admiration that followed his passing was a
(07:33):
reflection of the indelible mark he hadleft on the entertainment industry. In the
lives of countless fans around the globe, fellow comedians, actors, and admirers
from all walks of life paid tributeto the man who had made them laugh,
cry, and see the world througha different lens. Though he may
be gone, Don Rickles's legacy enduresforever etched in the annals of comedy history.
(07:56):
He was a trailblazer, a fearlessinnovator who dared to push the boundaries
of what was possible in the realmof humor. His influence can be felt
in the work of countless comedians whohave followed in his footsteps, each striving
to capture even a fraction of themagic that made Rickles a true icon.
As we look back on the lifeand career of Don Rickles, we are
reminded of the power of laughter tounite, to heal, and to transform.
(08:20):
Through his unique brand of humor,he held up a mirror to society,
exposing our flaws and foibles, whilesimultaneously reminding us of our shared humanity.
He was a master of his craft, a true artist who painted with
words and left an indelible mark onthe canvas of our lives. In the
end, Don Rickles' legacy is oneof joy, of fearlessness, and of
(08:43):
unwavering dedication to the art of comedy. He was a man who lived life
to the fullest, who embraced thelaughter and the tears with equal passion.
And though he may no longer bewith us in body, his spirit lives
on forever, enshrined in the heartsof those who had the privilege of wisitnessing
his genius first hand. So letus raise a toast to the merchant of
Venom, the legendary Don Rickles,whose laughter will echo through the ages,
(09:07):
reminding us of the power of humorto illuminate even the darkest of times.
May his memory continue to inspire usto challenge us, and to bring us
together in the universal language of laughter. For in the end, that is
the true legacy of Don Rickles,a life dedicated to the pursuit of joy,
one punch line at a time.Thanks for listening. Remember to like
(09:31):
and share wherever you get your podcasts.
Don Rickles the legendary career of acomedy icon. Born on May eighth,
nineteen twenty six, in the bustlingborough of Queens, New York, Donald
J. Rickles was destined for greatness. The son of Max and Etta Rickles,
he grew up in a warm,loving Jewish household that nurtured his innate
sense of humor and quick wit.From a tender age, young Rickles displayed
an uncanny ability to elicit laughter fromthose around him, a talent that would
(00:23):
later propel him to the pinnacle ofthe entertainment industry. As a student at
Newtown High School, Rickles's magnetic personalityand comedic prowess were already evident, endearing
him to classmates and teachers alike.Upon graduating, he answered the call of
duty, enlisting in the U.S. Navy during the tumultuous years of
World War II. Serving as aseaman first class aboard the U s.
(00:45):
S. Syreene, a motor torpedoboat tender, Rickles witnessed first hand the
sacrifices and camaraderie that defined this pivotalmoment in history. Little did he know
that his experiences in the Navy wouldshape his future career, imbuing him with
the r resilience, adaptability, andfearlessness that would become the hallmarks of his
comedic style. With the war behindhim, Rickles set his sights on the
(01:07):
glittering world of entertainment. Driven bya passion for acting, he enrolled at
the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts, eager to hone his craft and make
his mark on the stage. However, the path to success was not without
its obstacles. Despite his undeniable talent, Rickles found himself grappling with the harsh
realities of the industry, facing limitedopportunities and countless rejections. Undeterred by the
(01:33):
challenges that lay before him, Ricklesmade a bold decision that would forever alter
the course of his life. Inthe nineteen fifties, Frustrated by the scarcity
of acting roles, he fearlessly venturedinto the realm of stand up comedy.
It was in this arena that Ricklestruly found his calling, Armed with a
sharp tongue, lightning fast wit,and an audacious approach to humor that would
(01:55):
soon set him apart from his peers. As he took to the stage and
smoke filled nightclub, ub Rickles unleasheda torrent of insults and barbes that left
audiences reeling with laughter. His uniquebrand of comedy, characterized by rapid fire
delivery and a seemingly fearless disregard forsocial niceties, quickly garnered attention. Word
(02:15):
of his uproarious performances spread like wildfire, and soon Rickles found himself commanding the
respect and admiration of his fellow comediansand the public alike. Rickles's meteoric rise
to fame can be traced back toa single fateful night when the legendary Frank
Sinatra graced one of his performances.As Rickles unleashed his trademark wit, sparing
(02:37):
no one in the room, noteven Sinatra himself, from his comedic onslaught,
the atmosphere was electric. Sinatra,known for his own quick temper and
sharp tongue, found himself captivated byRickles's audacity and the sheer hilarity of his
material. This serendipitous encounter proved tobe the catalyst that would propel Rickles into
the stratosphere of stardom. With Sinatra'sseal of approval, doors that had once
(03:00):
been firmly closed, began to swingopen wide. Rickles soon found himself gracing
the stages of the most prestigious venues, his name emblazoned on marquees from coast
to coast. Television appearances followed inrapid succession, with Rickles becoming a regular
fixture on popular shows such as TheTonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and The Dean
(03:21):
Martin Show. His unfiltered, noholds barred approach to comedy resonated with audiences
who eagerly tuned in to witness hisnext verbal sparring match. It was during
this time that Rickles earned the monikerthe Merchant of Venom, a title that
would stick with him throughout his illustriouscareer, encapsulating his uncanny ability to deliver
(03:42):
insults with a smile and leave histargets laughing in spite of themselves. While
stand up comedy remained the bedrock ofRickles's success, his talents extended far beyond
the confines of the stage. Ashis popularity sword, Hollywood came calling,
eager to harness his magnetic presence andcomedic prowess for the screen. Rickles proved
himself to be a versatile actor,effortlessly transitioning between television and film roles.
(04:09):
From nineteen seventy six to nineteen seventyeight, he starred in the sitcom CPO
Sharky showcasing his ability to carry aseries with his larger than life personality.
Guest appearances on beloved shows like TheDick Van Dyke Show and Gilligan's Island further
cemented his status as a sought aftertelevision personality, his mere presence guaranteeing a
(04:30):
ratings boost and a bevy of laughs. On the silver screen, Rickles left
an indelible mark with memorable performances ina wide array of films. He demonstrated
his dramatic range in the gripping submarinethriller Run Silent, Run Deep nineteen fifty
eight, holding his own alongside screenlegends Clark Gable and Burt Lancaster. In
(04:51):
the war comedy Kelly's Heroes Yah nineteenseventy, Rickles brought his signature wit to
the role of staff sergeant Crap GameCrap Mean, stealing scenes with his impeccable
timing and irreverent humor. Perhaps oneof Rickles's most enduring film contributions came in
the form of his voice work asMister Potato Head in the beloved Toy Story
franchise. His distinctive vocal performance breathedlife into the plastic Spud, endearing him
(05:15):
to a whole new generation of fansand solidifying his place in the hearts of
children and adults alike. Despite thelarger than life persona he projected on stage,
Don Rickles was a man of greatdepth, warmth, and unwavering devotion
to his family. In nineteen sixtyfive, he wed Barbara Sklarr, the
love of his life and his rockthroughout his remarkable career. Together, they
(05:38):
built a beautiful family, welcoming twochildren, Mindy and Larry, into the
world. Those who knew Rickles intimatelyspoke of his unwavering commitment to his loved
ones, a side of him thatstood in stark contrast to his on stage
persona. He was a doting fatherand a loving husband, often expressing his
deep affection and gratitude for his familyand heartfelt interviews. Rickles's success in the
(06:00):
entertainment industry was matched only by thelove and admiration he garnered from those closest
to him. A legacy etched inlaughter, accolades, and influence. Throughout
his illustrious career, Don Rickles amasseda treasure trove of accolades and honors,
a testament to his unparalleled contributions tothe world of comedy. In two thousand
and seven, he was awarded aPrimetime Emmy for his powerful performance in the
(06:25):
special Mister Warmth The Don Rickles Project, a fitting tribute to a man who
had brought warmth and laughter into thelives of countless individuals. The following year,
the Comedy Awards bestowed upon him theprestigious Johnny Carson Award for Comedic Excellence,
recognizing his indelible impact on the craftof comedy. Rickles's influence extended far
(06:46):
beyond his own performances, inspiring ageneration of comedians who followed in his footsteps.
His fearless approach to humor, hislightning fast wit, and his ability
to find laughter in the most unlikelyof places the standard for what it meant
to be a true comedy icon.Even as the years advanced, Don Rickles
showed no signs of slowing down.He continued to grace stages and television screens
(07:12):
his spirit as indomitable as ever,with each performance, he reaffirmed his status
as a living legend, a testamentto the enduring power of laughter and the
human spirit. On April sixth,twenty seventeen, at the age of ninety,
Don Rickles took his final bow,leaving behind a world forever changed by
his presence. The outpouring of loveand admiration that followed his passing was a
(07:33):
reflection of the indelible mark he hadleft on the entertainment industry. In the
lives of countless fans around the globe, fellow comedians, actors, and admirers
from all walks of life paid tributeto the man who had made them laugh,
cry, and see the world througha different lens. Though he may
be gone, Don Rickles's legacy enduresforever etched in the annals of comedy history.
(07:56):
He was a trailblazer, a fearlessinnovator who dared to push the boundaries
of what was possible in the realmof humor. His influence can be felt
in the work of countless comedians whohave followed in his footsteps, each striving
to capture even a fraction of themagic that made Rickles a true icon.
As we look back on the lifeand career of Don Rickles, we are
reminded of the power of laughter tounite, to heal, and to transform.
(08:20):
Through his unique brand of humor,he held up a mirror to society,
exposing our flaws and foibles, whilesimultaneously reminding us of our shared humanity.
He was a master of his craft, a true artist who painted with
words and left an indelible mark onthe canvas of our lives. In the
end, Don Rickles' legacy is oneof joy, of fearlessness, and of
(08:43):
unwavering dedication to the art of comedy. He was a man who lived life
to the fullest, who embraced thelaughter and the tears with equal passion.
And though he may no longer bewith us in body, his spirit lives
on forever, enshrined in the heartsof those who had the privilege of wisitnessing
his genius first hand. So letus raise a toast to the merchant of
Venom, the legendary Don Rickles,whose laughter will echo through the ages,
(09:07):
reminding us of the power of humorto illuminate even the darkest of times.
May his memory continue to inspire usto challenge us, and to bring us
together in the universal language of laughter. For in the end, that is
the true legacy of Don Rickles,a life dedicated to the pursuit of joy,
one punch line at a time.Thanks for listening. Remember to like
(09:31):
and share wherever you get your podcasts.
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