Don Rickles, the legendary comedian known for his razor-sharp wit and fearless insult
comedy, was not only a master of laughter but also a man who formed deep and lasting
relationships with some of the biggest names in show business.
Throughout his illustrious career, Rickles cultivated close friendships with icons like
Frank Sinatra, Johnny Carson, and Bob Newhart.
These friendships were not merely professional alliances but genuine connections based on
mutual respect and admiration.
Rickles' ability to win over these luminaries showcased his exceptional talent and affable
personality.
Even after his passing in 2017, his impact remained profound, as evidenced by the heartfelt
tribute his daughter, Mindy, penned to honor his memory five years later.
She touched on many topics, including the truth about his relationship with legendary
talk show host, Carson.
Join Facts Verse, as we take you through what she had to say about her dad and Johnny, as
well as some fun info about Don’s relationship with these other entertainment giants!
Body Born on May 8, 1926, in New York City, Don
Rickles began his career in show business in the 1950s and quickly made a name for himself
with his unique comedic style.
Rickles gained fame for his ability to poke fun at both himself and others, often targeting
audience members with his biting humor.
Throughout his career, Rickles made frequent appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny
Carson and became a regular guest on Dean Martin's Celebrity Roasts.
He also starred in his own sitcom, C.P.O.
Sharkey, which ran from 1976 to 1978.
In addition to his television and film work, Rickles was a popular stand-up comedian, performing
his insult comedy routines to sold-out crowds around the world.
He had a distinctive style that relied heavily on improvisation and interacting with the
audience, making each performance unique and unpredictable.
Beyond his career achievements, Don Rickles was a family man.
He was married to his wife, Barbara Sklar, from 1965 until his death in 2017.
The couple had two children together, a son named Larry and a daughter named Mindy.
Don had a very close relationship with Mindy.
Mindy, born on May 13, 1966, followed in her father's footsteps and pursued a career in
show business.
She worked as an actress and voice-over artist, appearing in films such as "Daddy Dearest"
and "Mercy."
Mindy also made appearances on her father's talk show, "The Don Rickles Show."
Don and Mindy Rickles shared a deep bond, and their relationship extended beyond the
professional sphere.
Mindy often accompanied her father to public events and red carpet appearances, showcasing
their strong father-daughter connection.
Don was known to be a loving and supportive father, and Mindy cherished their relationship.
Sadly, Don passed away on April 6, 2017.
His family, and his fans around the world mourned the passing of this all time great
comedian.
Mindy’s Tribute Mindy Rickles penned a lovely and heartfelt
tribute to her dad, five years after his death.
In it, she spoke lovingly of his talent, love, an abilities as a father.
She also touched on his relationship with Johnny Carson, who at the time, was just about
the biggest name in show business.
She mentioned that her dad was booked by “The Tonight Show” more than 100 times over the
course of Carson’s time at the show’s helm.
It’s a remarkable number, and one that exhibits both the level of talent Rickles had, as well
as Carson’s unending respect for the comedian.
Mindy wrote that her dad long held Carson as one of the two primary people (the other
being Frank Sinatra) who he credited with making his career as successful as it was.
She revealed that both Carson and Sinatra adored Don, and that they loved the fact that
he would make fun of them just as much as anyone else.
She also talked about how the first time Sinatra and his crew showed up at one of Don’s shows,
Don took a huge risk and poked fun of Sinatra’s image as being backed by the mafia.
According to Mindy, Don said to Frank and his crew, “Make yourself at home, Frank.
Hit somebody.”
And luckily for Don, Frank and his buddies found the joke hilarious.
Mindy also talked about how Don was able to get away with his trademark brand of insult
comedy.
She said that even as people were being mocked to their face, they took it in stride because
they could always sense that Don was a lovely, warm person.
They could tell he was doing it just as an act, and that he meant no serious offence.
That, Mindy admitted, is why Johnny Carson ultimately gave him the nickname, “Mr. Warmth.”
And that nickname stuck!
Don and Frank A big part of Don and Frank’s relationship
was having fun with each other, and pulling off pranks.
Don got the better of Frank one evening, when Don was on a dinner date, and Frank was at
the same restaurant.
Don’s date reportedly refused to believe that the insult comedian was a close friend
of Frank Sinatra’s.
So Don pulled Frank aside that night, and asked for favor.
He asked Frank to come up to his and his date’s table and begin making conversation to show
that the two were friends.
According to Frank’s later telling of the story, when he approached the table and introduced
himself to Don’s date, Don snapped at him, “Can’t you see I’m eating, Frank?
What are you doing?”
Frank admitted to being fully taken by the prank, and stood there with his mouth open.
But he soon got back at Rickles for this little jab.
One night, while Don was performing at the Sahara Las Vegas, Frank decided that he was
going to have Don Rickles “arrested” in the middle of one of his performances.
In the middle of Rickles’ set, two uniformed police officers arrived on stage, and dragged
him off stage and out of the venue.
They put him in a police car and hauled him away.
Only, instead of taking him to the station and booking him, they dropped him off at another
casino, The Sands.
There he discovered Frank at a table, gambling, surrounded by beautiful women and joined by
Dean Martin.
Frank reportedly smiled, looked at Don, and said, “Anything wrong, Don?”
Rickles knew immediately that he’d been pranked by his good buddy.
Despite their constant prank war, the two remained friends until Sinatra’s death in
1998.
Don Rickles acted as one of the fallen star’s pallbearers.
Don and Bob Another of Don’s closest friends was legendary
comedian and actor, Bob Newhart.
Despite having different comedic styles, Rickles and Newhart found a common ground in their
shared appreciation for each other's abilities.
They recognized the comedic genius in one another and quickly became close friends.
Their friendship was built on a foundation of admiration, camaraderie, and a shared understanding
of the intricacies of making people laugh.
Throughout their careers, Rickles and Newhart often appeared together on television shows,
including numerous guest appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
They also performed together at various comedy events, showcasing their natural chemistry
and ability to play off each other's comedic timing.
Their on-stage collaborations were a delight to audiences, who relished in witnessing the
comedic brilliance of two great talents in perfect sync.
Offstage, Rickles and Newhart enjoyed spending time together, exchanging humorous stories
and engaging in lively conversations.
They supported and encouraged each other throughout their respective careers, offering advice
and sharing their experiences in the challenging world of comedy.
Their close friendship provided a source of comfort and inspiration as they navigated
the ups and downs of show business.
Newhart and Rickles would travel together and whenever Rickles thought that he had offended
anybody in the audience he would, according to Newhart, feel pretty awful.
The two comedians remained fairly close over the years.
They would even attend each other's family vacations and tours together, even though
Rickles offended Bob’s wife, Ginnie, the first time that they met.
While at the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas, Bob and Ginnie sat in the front row to watch Don
perform.
Although Newhart warned his wife about Rickles's reputation for harsh jabs, she apparently
wasn't prepared enough when Rickles proclaimed that the 'stammering idiot from Chicago' was
'in the audience with his hooker wife from New Jersey'.
Despite that pretty awkward moment, Newhart always knew that Rickles was a good guy at
heart, so when Rickles died in 2017, Newhart honored his friend's memory by sharing with
The Hollywood Reporter that the comic 'didn't have a mean bone in his body' and that it
was an honor to be picked on by him.
Don’s Legacy Don Rickles' legacy as an entertainer is nothing
short of legendary.
With his quick wit, biting humor, and unparalleled ability to captivate audiences, he left an
indelible mark on the world of comedy.
Throughout his career, Rickles showcased his unique talent and became known as the ultimate
insult comic.
One of the defining aspects of Rickles' legacy was his fearlessness on stage.
He targeted everyone, including celebrities and audience members, with his sharp-tongued
insults.
However, his charm and infectious personality endeared him to audiences, allowing him to
push boundaries and bring laughter to people from all walks of life.
Rickles' influence extended far beyond the realm of stand-up comedy.
He was a versatile entertainer who excelled in various mediums, including film, television,
and music.
He appeared in numerous films, showcasing his acting skills and versatility, while also
leaving an indelible impression with his comedic timing.
What truly sets Rickles apart is his enduring influence on generations of comedians.
His fearless approach to comedy and his ability to connect with audiences in a way that was
both hilarious and endearing inspired countless entertainers who followed in his footsteps.
His impact can be seen in the comedic styles of many modern-day comedians, who continue
to draw inspiration from his groundbreaking work.
Now it’s time to hear from you.
Did you know that Don Rickles and Frank Sinatra would constantly pull pranks on each other?
Let us know in the comments section below!