Entertainment

Comic Don Rickles Has Passed Away

by Mathew Jedeikin
Kevin Winter/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

It has been confirmed that comic Don Rickles died Thursday, April 6, at his home in Los Angeles. According to publicist Paul Shefrin, Rickles suffered kidney failure. In a statement to People, Shefrin notes that, "Rickles would have turned 91 on May 8. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Barbara, as well as their daughter Mindy Mann and her husband Ed, and Rickles’ two grandchildren, Ethan and Harrison Mann."

Rickles was known for his style of insult comedy, and was beloved by audiences worldwide. He continued to headline stand up shows well into his 80s, where he would hilariously insult both audience members in attendance, as well as big-name celebs. Beyond his legendary, six decade long career in comedy, Rickles starred in several films and was a regular on Dean Martin’s Celebrity Roasts. Younger fans might also know Rickles for voicing the role of Mr. Potato Head in Disney’s Toy Story movies.

Numerous celebrities have taken to Twitter to express their condolences and to pay tribute to Rickles. "90 years with Don Rickles weren’t enough," television host and comedian Jimmy Kimmel tweeted along with a photo of himself and Rickles. "One of the sweetest and most lovely people I had the pleasure of knowing. We miss you already."

According to Shefrin, the funeral service for Rickles will be private and not open to the public. In lieu of flowers, Shefrin has suggested that fans make a donation to the Larry Rickles Endowment Fund at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles in Rickles honor.