# Don Rickles

> American stand-up comedian (1926–2017)

**Wikidata**: [Q269890](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q269890)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Rickles)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/don-rickles

## Summary
Don Rickles was an American stand-up comedian (1926–2017) known for his sharp wit and insult comedy. He was a prominent figure in entertainment, influencing generations of comedians and earning accolades such as a Primetime Emmy Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

## Biography
- **Born**: May 8, 1926, Queens, New York, United States
- **Nationality**: American
- **Education**: American Academy of Dramatic Arts
- **Known for**: Pioneering insult comedy and stand-up performances
- **Employer(s)**: Various film, television, and stand-up comedy productions
- **Field(s)**: Comedy, acting, television presenting, singing, voice acting

## Contributions
Don Rickles revolutionized stand-up comedy with his unique insult style, becoming a household name in the 1960s and 1970s. He appeared in numerous films and television shows, including *Toy Story* (1995), where he voiced Mr. Potato Head. His work earned him a Primetime Emmy Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Rickles also served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, receiving the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal.

## FAQs
**What was Don Rickles known for?**
Don Rickles was known for his sharp, insult-based comedy style, which made him a pioneer in stand-up comedy. His performances were characterized by quick wit and playful jabs at audience members.

**Where did Don Rickles work?**
Rickles worked across various entertainment platforms, including stand-up comedy clubs, television shows, and films. He was notably the voice of Mr. Potato Head in *Toy Story* (1995).

**What awards did Don Rickles receive?**
He received a Primetime Emmy Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He also earned military honors for his service during World War II.

**Who influenced Don Rickles?**
Rickles was influenced by comedians like Groucho Marx, Jack Benny, and Jackie Gleason, who shaped his comedic style and stage presence.

## Why They Matter
Don Rickles redefined stand-up comedy by introducing insult humor, which became a staple in the genre. His influence extended to film and television, where his performances left a lasting impact. His military service and awards further highlight his contributions beyond entertainment.

## Notable For
- Pioneering insult comedy in stand-up performances.
- Voicing Mr. Potato Head in *Toy Story* (1995).
- Receiving a Primetime Emmy Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- Serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II and earning military medals.
- Being influenced by and influencing other prominent comedians like Groucho Marx and Jack Benny.

## Body
### Early Life
Don Rickles was born Donald Jay Rickles on May 8, 1926, in Queens, New York. He grew up in a Jewish household and developed an early interest in comedy. After high school, he attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where he honed his performing skills.

### Military Service
During World War II, Rickles served in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed in the Pacific and earned several medals, including the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal.

### Career in Comedy
Rickles began his comedy career in the 1940s, performing in nightclubs and theaters. By the 1960s, he had become a household name, known for his insult comedy style. His performances were characterized by quick wit and playful jabs at audience members, which set him apart from other comedians of his time.

### Film and Television Work
In addition to stand-up comedy, Rickles appeared in numerous films and television shows. One of his most notable roles was voicing Mr. Potato Head in *Toy Story* (1995). He also made frequent appearances on talk shows and variety programs, further cementing his status as a comedy legend.

### Awards and Recognition
Rickles received a Primetime Emmy Award for his contributions to television. He was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing his impact on the entertainment industry.

### Influence and Legacy
Don Rickles influenced generations of comedians with his unique style. His work in stand-up comedy, film, and television left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. His military service and awards further highlight his contributions beyond comedy.

## References

1. [Source](https://port.hu/jump/person-17787)
2. [Source](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/06/arts/television/don-rickles-dead-comedian.html)
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. CiNii Research
5. Integrated Authority File
6. Library of Congress
7. Bibliothèque nationale de France
8. SUDOC
9. IMDb
10. MusicBrainz
11. Find a Grave
12. Freebase
13. Virtual International Authority File
14. NNDB
15. AlloCiné
16. Encyclopædia Britannica
17. AllMusic
18. Discogs
19. AllMovie
20. Swedish Film Database
21. Elonet
22. Scope
23. Kinopoisk
24. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
25. filmportal.de
26. Turner Classic Movies
27. Myspace
28. SNAC
29. Songkick
30. The Movie Database
31. LIBRIS. 2017