Don Rickles

 In 1958, as a teenager, I remember going to the Oswego Theater and watching two of my favorite actors, Burt Lancaster and Clark Gable, perform in the WWII submarine drama, Run Silent, Run Deep.  I enjoyed the movie, but didn't pay too much attention to a particular supporting actor making his film debut, Don Rickles as Quartermaster First Class Ruby.

Rickles was born in Queens, New York in 1926 to Jewish parents.  After graduating from Newtown High School in 1944, he enlisted in the US Navy.

After his discharge, Rickles began studying acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.  He gained some bit parts on television programs.

"Frustrated by a lack of acting work, Rickles began performing comedy in clubs in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. He became known as an insult comedian when he responded to hecklers. The audience enjoyed these insults more than his prepared material."

A big break in Rickles' career occurred when Frank Sinatra came to a club to see his act.  Sinatra loved when Rickles made fun of him.  He encouraged his friends to come and be insulted as well.  

Johnny Carson also noticed Rickles and invited him to appear on his Tonight Show many times.  Dean Martin made him a regular on his Celebrity Roast series.  

It was in the 1970s that my ex-wife Bonita and I attended one of Don Rickles' performances at the nearby Westbury Music Fair.  We sat in the cheaper seats near the back.  

We had a great time of almost non-stop laughter.  One thing I remember about that night was several couples in the very first row arrived after Rickles came on stage.  Instead of quietly sitting and watching Rickles, they greeted each other more than necessary.  Well, Rickles insulted the heck out of them.  Hilarious!

Sadly, Don Rickles died April 6, 2017 at ninety years of age.  Every once in a while, he'll make me laugh again on YouTube.