Legendary Comic And Roast Master Don Rickles Has Died

Before you pour one out for Don Rickles, use your hand to raise an angry fist in the air for anyone who referred to him as “Toy Story’s Mr. Potato Head.” May they step on a discarded Mr. Potato Head piece with bare feet.

The Hollywood Reporter says that Don Rickles died of kidney failure at his home in Los Angeles today. He was 90. Don’s publicist gave this statement to People:

 “Emmy-Award winning iconic comedian Don Rickles passed away at his home Los Angeles this morning as a result of kidney failure. Rickles would have turned 91 on May 8. Rickles also had great success as an actor and best-selling author. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Barbara, as well as their daughter Mindy Mann and her husband Ed, and Rickles’ two grandchildren, Ethan and Harrison Mann.”

Don Rickles became a stand-up comic after not making it as an actor. He eventually became known as a master shit talker when he’d trash hecklers at his show. The audience loved Don shitting on hecklers more than they loved the jokes he told, so he made it a big piece of his regular act. Don went on to become a regular on Dean Martin’s Celebrity Roasts where he did what did best: roast tricks until they were well done.

Don was also a regular on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and the Late Show with David Letterman.

Even though Don’s acting career didn’t go anywhere at first, he acted in many movies and TV after making it as a comic. Don was in several Beach Party movies, Kelly’s Heroes, Casino, all of the Toy Story movies and dozens of TV shows. Don’s voice will also be in the fourth Toy Story movie, which comes out in 2019.

Don worked up until almost the very end. Last year, he toured with fellow old coot Regis Philbin.

Rest in peace, Don Rickles. You’re now in heaven where you’re roasting God and offending the angels.

Pic: WME