Don Rickles Net Worth

Posted by Noelle Montes on Friday, May 3, 2024

What is Don Rickles’ Net Worth and Salary?

Don Rickles had an estimated net worth of $30 million at the time of his death in 2017. He made a fortune from his successful career in comedy, television, and films. He made around $5 million per year during his peak years as a stand-up comedian and TV actor in the 1960s and 1970s. He also earned a significant income from his movie roles and voice-over work in animated films.

Early Life and Education

Don Rickles was born on May 8, 1926, in Queens, New York. His parents were Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. He grew up in a working-class neighborhood and attended Newtown High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II and served on a troop ship in the Pacific. After the war, he studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.

Career

Don Rickles started his career as a stand-up comedian in the 1950s, performing in nightclubs and comedy clubs. He gained national prominence in the 1960s with his appearances on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson and his own TV specials. He became known for his insult comedy, which was both edgy and hilarious. He also starred in numerous movies, including “Kelly’s Heroes,” “Run Silent, Run Deep,” and “Casino.” He lent his voice to many animated films, such as “Toy Story” and “Cars.”

Personal Life

Don Rickles was married to his wife Barbara Sklar from 1965 until his death. They had two children together. Rickles was a private person who rarely discussed his personal life in public. He was known for his love of golf and his friendship with many celebrities, including Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.

Illness and Death

Don Rickles died on April 6, 2017, at the age of 90 from kidney failure. He had been in declining health for several years before his death and had canceled several performances due to illness. His death was a shock to his fans and the entertainment industry, as he was still actively performing until the end of his life.

Real Estate

Don Rickles owned a luxurious home in Beverly Hills, which he bought in the 1960s. The house had a swimming pool, tennis court, and stunning views of Los Angeles. He also owned a condo in La Quinta, California, where he often played golf.

Legacy

Don Rickles was a comedy icon who left a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry. He was known for his quick wit, sharp tongue, and hilarious insults. He was also respected for his professionalism, work ethic, and kindness offstage. He influenced many comedians who followed in his footsteps, including Joan Rivers and Jerry Seinfeld. He was posthumously awarded a Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award in 2018.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was Don Rickles’ most famous insult?

One of Don Rickles’ most famous insults was directed at Frank Sinatra. He once said to Sinatra, “Hey, Frank, make yourself at home, hit somebody!” The insult was classic Rickles, as it was both funny and biting, but also delivered with affection and respect.

How did Don Rickles get started in stand-up comedy?

Don Rickles started doing stand-up comedy in the 1950s. He started out in small nightclubs and worked his way up to bigger venues, such as the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas. He gained national exposure with his appearances on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson in the 1960s. He was one of the pioneers of insult comedy and was known for his sharp wit and hilarious put-downs.

Was Don Rickles ever in a band?

Before he became a comedian, Don Rickles played drums in a US Navy band during World War II. He was stationed on a troop ship and played in the ship’s band for the entertainment of the sailors. He continued to play drums as a hobby throughout his life and even played with Buddy Rich on “The Tonight Show” in the 1970s.

What was Don Rickles’ favorite insult?

Don Rickles had many insults that he was famous for, but one of his favorites was “hockey puck.” He used the insult to refer to anyone who he thought was slow, uncool, or unimportant. It became one of his signature phrases and was often heard during his performances.

How did Don Rickles feel about being insulted himself?

Don Rickles was known for his sharp insults and quick comebacks, but he was also good-natured about being insulted himself. He often joked about his own appearance, age, and lack of hair. He enjoyed a good insult as much as he enjoyed dishing them out, and he believed that the best insults were always delivered with humor and affection.

How did Don Rickles become friends with Frank Sinatra?

Don Rickles and Frank Sinatra became friends in the 1950s, when Rickles was performing in small clubs in Miami Beach. Sinatra was in town for a show and went to see Rickles perform. They met after the show, and Sinatra complemented Rickles on his act. From that moment on, they became close friends, and Sinatra became one of Rickles’ biggest fans and supporters.

What was Don Rickles’ first movie role?

Don Rickles’ first movie role was in the 1958 film “Run Silent, Run Deep.” He played the role of Quartermaster First Class Ruby, a crew member on a submarine in World War II. The film starred Clark Gable and Burt Lancaster and was a commercial and critical success.

Did Don Rickles ever host “Saturday Night Live”?

Don Rickles never hosted “Saturday Night Live,” but he made several memorable appearances on the show as a guest. He was known for his hilarious insult comedy and was a perfect fit for the show’s irreverent and edgy humor.

What was Don Rickles’ advice to aspiring comedians?

Don Rickles’ advice to aspiring comedians was to be themselves and to work hard. He believed that the key to success in comedy was to find your own voice and to have confidence in your material. He also believed that comedians needed to work hard and to be dedicated to their craft, even when they faced rejection and setbacks.

Did Don Rickles have any philanthropic causes?

Don Rickles supported several philanthropic causes during his lifetime, including the National Kidney Foundation and the Ronald McDonald House. He also supported several Jewish charities and was a vocal advocate for Israel. He believed that it was important to give back to the community and to use his fame and fortune to make a positive impact on the world.

What was Don Rickles’ favorite joke?

Don Rickles had many favorite jokes, but one of his most famous was about an elephant who goes to the doctor. The doctor asks the elephant what’s wrong, and the elephant replies, “Well, Doc, every time I look in the mirror, I see a naked Jew.” The joke was classic Rickles, as it was both hilarious and a little bit controversial.

Was Don Rickles ever in a Broadway show?

Don Rickles appeared in several Broadway shows during his career, including “The Odd Couple” and “Hello, Dolly!” He was known for his ability to do both comedy and drama, and his performances on Broadway were well received by critics and audiences alike.

What was Don Rickles’ experience working with Dean Martin?

Don Rickles was good friends with Dean Martin and worked with him on several movies and TV shows. He once said of Martin, “He was the coolest man I ever met in my life.” They had a great rapport on stage and off, and their friendship lasted until Martin’s death in 1995.

Did Don Rickles ever win an Academy Award?

Don Rickles was never nominated for an Academy Award, but he did win several other awards during his career. He won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2008 for his work on the HBO series “Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project.” He also won a lifetime achievement award from the Friars Club in 2013.

What was Don Rickles’ last TV appearance?

Don Rickles’ last TV appearance was on the show “Angie Tribeca” in 2016. He played the role of Nana, the grandfather of the show’s lead character. The appearance was a reminder of Rickles’ humor and talent, and it cemented his place as one of the all-time greats of comedy.

What was Don Rickles’ favorite TV show?

Don Rickles was a huge fan of the TV show “The Twilight Zone.” He once said of the show, “It was the best television show ever made.” He loved the show’s clever writing, imaginative storytelling, and thought-provoking themes. He also appeared in two episodes of the show, “Mr. Dingle, the Strong” and “The Dummy.”

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