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Don Rickles (1926–2017) was an iconic American stand-up comedian and actor, known for his sharp wit and fearless insult comedy. At the time of his passing in 2017, Rickles had an estimated net worth of $30 million.
Nicknamed the “Merchant of Venom” and “Mr. Warmth,” Rickles earned his reputation with a unique comedy style that combined cutting insults with a genuine underlying charm. He began his career in the 1950s, initially pursuing serious acting roles, but soon discovered his gift for quick-witted humor and audience interaction.
Rickles rose to prominence in Las Vegas nightclubs, where his fearless roasts of audience members and celebrities became legendary. He developed a close friendship with Frank Sinatra, who often praised and supported his work. His brand of equal-opportunity insult comedy influenced countless comedians and helped shape modern stand-up.
Beyond the stage, Rickles had a prolific career in film and television. He appeared in classics like “Kelly’s Heroes” (1970) and “Casino” (1995), and was beloved for voicing Mr. Potato Head in the “Toy Story” films. He was also a frequent guest on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” and “The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast,” where his lightning-fast comebacks became legendary.
Despite his biting stage persona, Rickles was known offstage as a kind, gentle, and generous person. He remained active in entertainment into his eighties and earned an Emmy for the documentary “Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project” (2008), cementing his legacy as one of comedy’s most influential figures.
Early Life and Career Beginnings of Don Rickles
Early Life
Don Rickles was born Donald Jay Rickles on May 8, 1926, in Queens, New York. His father, Max Rickles, had immigrated to the United States in 1903 with his Lithuanian parents, while his mother, Etta Rickles, was a New York native of Austrian descent. Rickles was raised in the Jewish faith in the Jackson Heights neighborhood of Queens.
After graduating from Newtown High School in 1944, Rickles enlisted in the United States Navy, serving as a seaman during World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1946. Following his military service, Rickles enrolled at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, aiming to become a serious dramatic actor.
Initially, he took on small television roles but grew frustrated by the limited acting opportunities. To support himself, he began performing in comedy clubs in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. Rickles quickly discovered his talent for insult comedy. He realized audiences responded more enthusiastically to his sharp-witted comebacks to hecklers than to his scripted material. This observation shaped his unique comedic style, turning audience interactions into a hallmark of his act and laying the foundation for a legendary career.
Career
Don Rickles spent more than two decades honing his craft in nightclubs, perfecting the sharp-witted insult comedy that would define his career. His film debut came in 1958 with the World War II drama Run Silent, Run Deep, a hit that opened doors for a long acting career. Over the next several years, Rickles appeared in films such as X: The Man with the X-Ray Eyes (1963), Bikini Beach (1964), Enter Laughing (1967), and Kelly’s Heroes (1970).
Even while acting, Rickles maintained a strong presence in comedy. From 1973 to 1984, he became a staple on Dean Martin’s Celebrity Roasts, where he delivered his signature insults with charm and wit. He often honored friends like Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, and Lucille Ball, and even served as roast master for Dean Martin himself. In 1976, he starred as a sharp-tongued U.S. Navy officer in the TV series CPO Sharkey, which ran for two seasons.
In the early 1980s, Rickles teamed up with Steve Lawrence for concerts in Las Vegas, and together they co-hosted the 1983 TV show Foul-Ups, Bleeps & Blunders. A frequent guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Rickles began scaling back after 1984, though he continued to take on select projects. One career highlight came in 1985, when Frank Sinatra insisted Rickles perform unrehearsed at Ronald Reagan’s second inaugural ball.
During the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, Rickles appeared in Tales from the Crypt (The Ventriloquist’s Dummy, 1990), John Landis’ Innocent Blood (1992), and starred alongside Richard Lewis in the short-lived sitcom Daddy Dearest (1993).
Rickles made a major comeback in 1995, reaching a new generation of fans by voicing Mr. Potato Head in Pixar’s Toy Story. That same year, he appeared as Billy Sherbert in Martin Scorsese’s Casino, earning critical praise. He returned to voice Mr. Potato Head in Toy Story 2 (1999) and reprised the role again in Toy Story 3 (2010). Though he passed away before Toy Story 4, the filmmakers honored him by using archived recordings, dedicating the film to his memory.
Other notable late-career film appearances include Dennis the Menace Strikes Again (1998) and Dirty Work (1998). In 2007, Rickles released his memoir, Rickles’ Book, and a documentary by John Landis, Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project, premiered on HBO. The documentary earned him a Primetime Emmy for Individual Performance in a Variety Program, beating competitors like David Letterman, Jon Stewart, and Stephen Colbert.
Even in his final years, Rickles remained active on television, appearing on late-night talk shows and celebrating milestones with fans and fellow celebrities. In 2014, a star-studded special, One Night Only: An All-Star Tribute to Don Rickles, honored his 88th birthday. Participants included Jerry Seinfeld, Robert De Niro, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, David Letterman, and many others. Seinfeld praised Rickles as part of the “Mount Rushmore of Stand-up Comedy,” alongside George Carlin, Richard Pryor, and Bill Cosby.
Rickles made one of his last television appearances on May 11, 2015, as a guest on The Late Show with David Letterman, demonstrating that even in his late 80s, he remained a sharp, quick-witted entertainer loved by audiences across generations.
Don Rickles Net Worth
Don Rickles, the legendary American comedian and actor, had an estimated net worth of around $30 million at the time of his death, built through a decades-long career in stand-up comedy, television, film, and live performances. Best known for his sharp insult comedy, Rickles earned substantial income from sold-out comedy tours, frequent TV appearances, acting roles in movies, voice work (including the Toy Story franchise), and lucrative Las Vegas residencies. His long-term popularity, consistent demand, and smart career longevity helped him accumulate significant wealth, with net worth figures based on publicly available estimates and industry reports.
Don Rickles’ Personal Life and Passing
Don Rickles openly admitted that finding romance in his 20s and 30s was a challenge. At 38, he met Barbara Sklar of Philadelphia through his agent. Ironically, he fell in love when she didn’t immediately get his humor—her unamused reactions only drew him closer. The couple married on March 14, 1965, and shared a loving life together, raising two children: Mindy Rickles and Larry Rickles.
Rickles passed away at the age of 90 on April 6, 2017, at his home in Los Angeles, with Barbara by his side. His wife, Barbara Rickles, later died from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma on March 14, 2021, which would have been their 56th wedding anniversary. Their enduring marriage remains a testament to their lifelong partnership.
Don Rickles’ Malibu Estate
In 2003, Don Rickles purchased a 1-acre property in Malibu, California for $1.875 million. Situated within a gated community, the estate includes a lighted tennis court, a spacious grassy yard, and private access to an exclusive beach, offering both luxury and privacy.
Rickles listed the home for sale in December 2016 with an asking price just under $8 million. After his passing, his heirs sold the property for $6.5 million to the founder of Equinox fitness clubs. The new owner occasionally rents the estate for $25,000 per month when it’s not in personal use.
FAQs About Don Rickles
Q1. What was Don Rickles famous for?
Don Rickles was best known as a pioneering insult comedian and actor. Nicknamed the “Merchant of Venom” and “Mr. Warmth,” he became famous for his quick-witted humor, fearless roasts, and appearances in films, TV shows, and the Toy Story franchise as Mr. Potato Head.
Q2. When and where was Don Rickles born?
Don Rickles was born Donald Jay Rickles on May 8, 1926, in Queens, New York, to a Jewish family with Lithuanian and Austrian roots.
Q3. Who was Don Rickles married to and did he have children?
Don Rickles married Barbara Sklar on March 14, 1965. They had two children, Mindy Rickles and Larry Rickles, and remained married until Don’s passing in 2017.
Q4. What are some of Don Rickles’ most notable films and TV appearances?
Rickles appeared in films such as Run Silent, Run Deep (1958), Kelly’s Heroes (1970), and Casino (1995). He is also well known for voicing Mr. Potato Head in the Toy Story series and for his performances on Dean Martin’s Celebrity Roasts and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
Q5. What was Don Rickles’ net worth and Malibu property details?
At the time of his death in 2017, Don Rickles had a net worth of around $30 million. He owned a Malibu estate purchased in 2003 for $1.875 million, featuring a tennis court, large yard, and private beach access. After his passing, the property was sold for $6.5 million.
