Don Rickles, the legendary comedian and actor, left an indelible mark on the world of comedy. Known for his quick wit and mastery of insult humor, Rickles entertained audiences for decades. His unique style of comedy, where no one was safe from his sharp tongue, made him a beloved figure in Hollywood and beyond. Rickles’ long career saw him appear in numerous films, TV shows, and even as a voice actor in the Toy Story franchise. His personal life was just as memorable, including his long-standing marriage to his wife, Barbara.
By the time of his death in 2017, Don Rickles had amassed significant wealth, with an estimated net worth of $30 million. His contributions to entertainment were more than just financial; they helped shape the comedic landscape for future generations.
Key Takeaways:
- Don Rickles was an iconic stand-up comedian famous for his sharp insult humor.
- He voiced Mr. Potato Head in the Toy Story series, delighting children and adults alike.
- Rickles enjoyed a long career in both film and television, including memorable roles in Casino and C.P.O. Sharkey.
- He was married to Barbara Rickles for over 50 years, and the couple had two children.
- Rickles passed away in 2017 from renal disease, marking the end of an era in comedy.
Don Rickles and His Role in Toy Story
One of Don Rickles’ most famous roles was as the voice of Mr. Potato Head in the beloved Toy Story franchise. First appearing in 1995, Rickles brought a unique charm and humor to the character, which instantly resonated with audiences of all ages. Mr. Potato Head’s snappy remarks were a perfect fit for Rickles’ comedic style, making the character a standout in the series.
Though Rickles passed away before he could record new lines for Toy Story 4, Disney honored him by using archival recordings of his voice. His portrayal of Mr. Potato Head remains one of his most enduring contributions to modern pop culture.
Don Rickles’ Legendary Roasts
Rickles earned the nickname "Mr. Warmth" for his blistering, yet good-natured, roasting of celebrities. He became a fixture on Dean Martin’s Celebrity Roasts, where he would poke fun at famous stars like Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, and Ronald Reagan. His sharp-tongued humor, combined with impeccable timing, made these roasts legendary. Despite the harshness of his insults, Rickles was loved and respected by his peers, who knew that his humor always came from a place of affection.
His roast performances became an iconic part of his legacy, and they continue to be a significant reference point for modern comedians who aspire to the same mastery of humor.
Don Rickles’ Wife – Barbara Rickles
Behind Don Rickles’ incredible career was his long-standing relationship with his wife, Barbara Rickles. The couple married in 1965 and remained together for over 50 years until Don’s passing in 2017. Barbara was a supportive partner throughout Don’s life, accompanying him to many of his performances and events. Together, they had two children, Mindy and Larry, and their relationship was a cornerstone of Don’s life.
Barbara Rickles’ presence in his life was often noted by those close to the couple, as they shared a strong bond and built a loving family. She was there during the highs and lows of Don’s career, and their marriage is remembered as one of the more stable and loving partnerships in Hollywood.
Don Rickles’ Movies and TV Shows
Don Rickles’ career spanned several decades, and he appeared in numerous movies and TV shows. Some of his most notable movie roles include:
- Run Silent, Run Deep (1958): A war film where Rickles played a crew member aboard a submarine.
- Kelly’s Heroes (1970): A comedy set during World War II.
- Casino (1995): Rickles portrayed a casino manager in this Martin Scorsese-directed classic.
On the small screen, Rickles headlined the series C.P.O. Sharkey, which ran from 1976 to 1978. He also made guest appearances on popular shows such as The Twilight Zone, Gilligan’s Island, and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, where his humor often left the host in stitches.
Don Rickles’ Net Worth
At the time of his death in 2017, Don Rickles’ estimated net worth was around $30 million. His wealth was accumulated through his extensive career in comedy, film, and television. Despite his sharp humor, Rickles’ impact on the industry was immense, and his financial success reflected the broad appeal of his work.
His long-standing presence in the entertainment industry, combined with various movie and TV deals, ensured that Rickles was financially successful throughout his career. His iconic roles, particularly as Mr. Potato Head, continued to generate income even after his passing, cementing his legacy as one of Hollywood’s most influential comedians.
Don Rickles’ Cause of Death
Don Rickles passed away on April 6, 2017, at the age of 90 due to renal disease. His death marked the end of an extraordinary career, and tributes poured in from across the entertainment world. Rickles had been one of the last surviving entertainers from the Golden Age of Hollywood, and his loss was felt deeply by fans and fellow performers alike.
Don Rickles in Dirty Work
In the 1998 comedy film Dirty Work, Don Rickles played the role of "Moe," a cranky movie theater manager. While the film itself received mixed reviews, Rickles’ performance was one of the highlights, showcasing his signature insult humor. His scenes in the movie are often remembered for their sharp comedic timing and laugh-out-loud moments.
The Don Rickles Documentary – Mr. Warmth
In 2007, a documentary titled Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project was released, chronicling Rickles’ incredible career and impact on comedy. Directed by John Landis, the documentary featured interviews with fellow comedians and celebrities who admired Rickles’ unique style. The film won an Emmy Award, highlighting Rickles’ lasting legacy as one of the greatest comedians of all time.
| Key Life Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Donald Jay Rickles |
| Born | May 8, 1926, in New York City |
| Net Worth at Death | Estimated $30 million |
| Famous for | Insult comedy, voicing Mr. Potato Head |
| Married | Barbara Rickles (1965-2017) |
| Movies and TV Shows | Toy Story, Casino, C.P.O. Sharkey |
| Cause of Death | Renal disease on April 6, 2017 |
FAQs
What is Don Rickles best known for?
Don Rickles is best known for his insult comedy and his role as the voice of Mr. Potato Head in the Toy Story films.
When did Don Rickles pass away?
Don Rickles passed away on April 6, 2017, due to renal disease at the age of 90.
How much was Don Rickles’ net worth at the time of his death?
At the time of his death, Don Rickles had an estimated net worth of around $30 million.
What were some of Don Rickles’ famous movies?
Don Rickles appeared in numerous films, including Casino, Kelly’s Heroes, and Run Silent, Run Deep. He also voiced Mr. Potato Head in the Toy Story series.
Who was Don Rickles’ wife?
Don Rickles was married to Barbara Rickles from 1965 until his death in 2017. They had two children together, Mindy and Larry.
Was Don Rickles in the Toy Story 4 movie?
Although Don Rickles passed away before Toy Story 4 was made, Disney used archival recordings to ensure Mr. Potato Head remained part of the film.