Jimmy Kimmel paid tribute to his friend Don Rickles who died from kidney failure on Thursday, April 6 at the age of 90. During his nightly monologue, Kimmel held back tears. However, he choked up as he remembered the legendary comedian. Rickles was loved by everyone and especially by Kimmel.
What Kimmel said
At the top of "Jimmy Kimmel Live," the host did not come out laughing and joking. He let people know that his show was not going to be as usual. He warned his studio audience and viewers that he was going to cry. He apologized in advance that it was going to be embarrassing.
He said he knew people didn't come to the show to see him cry, but he loved Don Rickles who died earlier during the day at his home in Los Angeles. Jimmy is also close to Barbara, Don's wife of 52 years.
Jimmy grew up in Las Vegas where Don was a successful stand-up comedian. Therefore, Don was like a mentor to Jimmy who also became a comedian. Don's popularity shot through the roof because of being on the "Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson. Then when he appeared on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" for the first time in 2006, Jimmy said he felt like he was a real talk show host. Jimmy said for 20 minutes he felt like being Johnny Carson. After that time, Rickles returned as a guest 17 more times throughout the years.
Jimmy reflected on Don's style of insult comedy which is a trait only a few people can get away with. After Jimmy had said what he had to say, he closed with a video tribute to Don Rickles.
Other tributes
All the late night talk hosts paid tribute to Don Rickles. Other than Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and Jimmy Fallon mentioned him on their late night shows.
Celebrities and others began sending tributes and condolences to the family. There are many of those tributes on social media.
Don Rickles' career
Don Rickles had a successful career as a stand-up comedian specializing in genres such as insult comedy, observational comedy, musical comedy, and improvisational comedy. He was also an actor, but he had very few acting roles.
His online profile indicates that his lack of acting was due to his pudgy and balding appearance along with his combative style. This might account for him lending his voice as "Mr. Potato Head" in the "Toy Story" franchise and other films. However, after beginning his career in 1943, he enjoyed 74 successful years doing what he loved. Therefore, Don Rickles will be remembered for being one of the best comedians of his time.
