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Don Rickles

Don Rickles was an American comedian and actor known for insult comedy, ad-libbed put-downs, and a long career in stand-up, television, and film.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Don Rickles was an American comedian and actor known for insult comedy, ad-libbed put-downs, and a long career in stand-up, television, and film. He became widely recognized through appearances on *The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson*, the *Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts*, and as the voice of Mr. Potato Head in the *Toy Story* films.

Early life

Don Rickles was born in 1926 in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York, and later studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts before building a career in entertainment.

Comedy career

Rickles became famous for insult comedy, using rapid-fire improvisation and audience banter in nightclubs, television appearances, and roasts.

Film and television work

In addition to stand-up, Rickles worked in films and television, with roles in productions such as *Casino* and the *Toy Story* films, where he voiced Mr. Potato Head.

Legacy

Rickles is remembered as a major figure in American stand-up comedy whose style influenced later performers and helped popularize insult-based comedy on television.

Key facts

  • Rickles was known for a cheerfully belligerent style of humor built around insults and improvisation.
  • He became a frequent guest on *The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson* and on the *Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts*.
  • He appeared in films and television programs over several decades, including *Casino* and the *Toy Story* franchise.
  • Rickles was born in Queens, New York, and died in Los Angeles at age 90.
  • His stage persona earned him the nickname “Mr. Warmth.”

Frequently asked questions

Who was Don Rickles?
Don Rickles was an American comedian and actor best known for insult comedy and for roles in television, film, and the *Toy Story* franchise.
What was Don Rickles known for?
He was known for ad-libbed insults, audience banter, and a brash comic style that became his signature.
What is Don Rickles’s birth name?
His birth name was Donald Jay Rickles.
When was Don Rickles born and when did he die?
He was born on May 8, 1926, and died on April 6, 2017.
What character did Don Rickles voice in Toy Story?
He voiced Mr. Potato Head in the *Toy Story* films.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Don-Rickles
    Supports: Birth/death details; American comedian and actor; insult-comedy style.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0725543/bio/
    Supports: Birth name; birth/death dates; basic biography.
  3. Television Academy — https://www.televisionacademy.com/bios/don-rickles
    Supports: American comedian and actor; death date; television career.
  4. Hollywood Walk of Fame — https://walkoffame.com/don-rickles/
    Supports: Stand-up comedian and actor; best known as an insult comic; frequent guest on Carson.
  5. Los Angeles Times — https://projects.latimes.com/hollywood/star-walk/don-rickles/
    Supports: Career overview; TV appearances; film work; military service; death details.
  6. NPR — https://www.npr.org/2017/04/07/522996727/remembering-don-rickles-the-insult-comic-who-made-fun-of-everything
    Supports: Insult-comedy reputation; roasts; film roles including Toy Story and Casino.