Don Rickles, the comedian most known for his wit and mockery, passed away today at the age of 90. Interviewed in several American Masters documentaries to share his experiences working with Bob Newhart and Johnny Carson, Rickles brought with him an inimitable humor and point of view. It was a high honor to be insulted by the great Don Rickles.
“After toiling in relative obscurity for years as a more conventional stand-up comedian, Rickles unwittingly discovered his biggest laughs came when he turned the tables on his hecklers. His career then skyrocketed after he insulted the hot-tempered Sinatra, who normally did not take kindly to such treatment.
When the superstar singer and actor walked into a Miami Beach club in 1957 where Rickles was performing, the comedian greeted the “Chairman of the Board” from the stage: ‘Make yourself at home Frank. Hit somebody.’ Sinatra roared — with laughter.”