Legendary comedian Don Rickles has died at the age of 90 from Kidney Failure. Rickles passed away at his Los Angeles home on Thursday with his wife Barbara by his side. Rickles' death was confirmed by his rep. Don is preceded in death by his son, Larry Rickles, who passed away in 2011 from complications of pneumonia. He is survived by his wife of 52-years, Barbara, daughter Mindy, and two grandchildren, Ethan and Harrison Mann.
Comedian Don Rickles revealed grandchildren believe his role as Mr. Potato Head is his greatest achievement
Mr. Rickles is best known throughout Hollywood and by his fans as an insult comic, he is also an actor, playing both comedic and dramatic roles in film.
Throughout his early career, Don Rickles was a regular guest on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" and "Late Show with David Letterman" where he gained immediate popularity and television exposure.
Fans mourn the loss of funnyman Don Rickles
As Don's career as a comedian progressed he began being known by nicknames "The Merchant of Venom" and "Mr. Warmth" for his harmless remarks directed at people of all ethnicities and walks of life.
Along with his popular comedy shows and specials, Rickles made numerous television guest appearances on popular classic television shows including, "The Dick Van Dyke Show," "The Munsters," "The Addams Family," "Gilligan's Island," "Get Smart," "The Andy Griffith Show," and "I Dream of Jeannie," to name several of Don's fan favorites.
One of Don's most recent perfomances included a guest spot on "Hot in Cleveland" where Rickles played the late husband of Betty White's character, Elka, which was a huge shocker and one of the most laughable and memorable moments on the show considering Elka's husband was thought to have been deceased.
Among his many lifetime achievements, Don Rickles won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program.
However, in Rickles' memoir, titled "Rickles' Book," he notes that according to his grandchildren, his greatest life achievement has been his roles in the Disney/Pixar "Toy Story" animated films as Mr. Potato Head. Right up until his death, Rickles continued to tour the United States despite multiple health issues.
Details surrounding the death of Don Rickles and memorial arrangements are still developing and will be released at a later date.
