US actor and comedian Don Rickles, well known for voicing the character Mr Potato Head in the Toy Story films, has died aged 90.
The influential stand-up comedian and actor passed away at his Los Angeles home on Thursday (April 6) from kidney failure, his long-time publicist Paul Shefrin confirmed.
Rickles headlined casinos and nightclubs across the US and appeared on late-night TV talk shows for more than half a century, delighting audiences with his abrasive, politically incorrect brand of humour.
The New York-born comedian famously earned the ironic nickname 'Mr Warmth' from Tonight Show host Johnny Carson due to the brash and quick-witted manner in which he responded to hecklers in the audience.
He had signed up to reprise his role as Mr Potato Head in Toy Story 4 in 2019.
Rickles regularly poked fun at celebrities and his audience. "I make fun of the world," Rickles told the legendary host Larry King in 1993. "You know that. And if you know how to handle that and you treat people - and you make fun of yourself, hey, it's not offensive."
As well as his long-running career as a stand-up comedian, Rickles played dramatic roles on the big screen, such as his first film Run Silent, Run Deep in 1958 and in Martin Scorsese's classic Casino in 1995. He also starred as the wheeler-dealer Crapgame opposite Clint Eastwood in the wartime heist movie Kelly's Heroes.
His role as the cranky Mr Potato Head in the blockbuster Toy Story films brought his brand of humour to a whole new audience.
Stars from the world of entertainment paid tribute to the late comedy star.
Tim Allen, who voices Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story films, said in a statement: "Don Rickles is one of the biggest reasons I am a comic today.
"I feel bad, mostly for everyone in Heaven who will now learn first hand from the sharpest wits ever, what it's like to be Rickled."
Many of showbiz's biggest names also took to Twitter to mourn the passing of the comedy great.
Don Rickles was one the absolute greats. I feel lucky for the times I was ever in his orbit, my thoughts are with his family today x
— James Corden (@JKCorden) April 6, 2017
Farewell to a comedic legend & dear friend, Don Rickles. I know you're cracking them up in the… https://t.co/dFcfoeFcPn
— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) April 6, 2017
My friend, my dad, the funniest biggest hearted of them all. A beautiful husband and father. My heart is broken. Rest In Peace. Don Rickles.
— bob saget (@bobsaget) April 6, 2017
The story about Don Rickles trying to use Frank Sinatra to impresss a woman is one of the funniest ever.
— Anthony Breznican (@Breznican) April 6, 2017
I'll let Frank tell it... pic.twitter.com/FZvZfUYRkn
Don Rickles, you kept us laughing for so many years. We will miss you dearly. Thanks for the zingers. You were one of a kind.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) April 6, 2017
Don Rickles has passed away.
— Billy Crystal (@BillyCrystal) April 6, 2017
A giant loss.
Don Rickles insulted everyone and they loved him for it.The last of his https://t.co/YSobT2E5uV.#donrickles pic.twitter.com/zzgYUHsY3B
— Michael Des Barres (@MDesbarres) April 6, 2017
90 years with Don Rickles weren't enough. One of the sweetest and most lovely people I had the pleasure of knowing. We miss you already
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) April 6, 2017
A God died today. Don Rickles, we did not want to ever lose you. Never. Hanx.
— Tom Hanks (@tomhanks) April 6, 2017
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) April 6, 2017
Don once begged me for a couple of bucks then told me to twist myself into a pretzel. Ego slayer! Comic Everest! Spank you, Mr Rickles. ;^)
— Jim Carrey (@JimCarrey) April 6, 2017
Awwww man Rickles is dead. Rest In Peace buddy.
— Danny DeVito (@DannyDeVito) April 6, 2017
Don Rickles was simply the best. He created insult comedy &yet every 1 of his targets felt loved and honored. One of a kind.#RIPdonrickles
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) April 6, 2017
Being skewered by Don Rickles was side-splitting funny.
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) April 6, 2017
A gentle soul with rapid fire wit. xoB pic.twitter.com/yl2mnT32Zz
A national treasure is gone. Don Rickles' talent was limitless. To know him was a gift. He kept me laughing during 58-years of friendship. pic.twitter.com/B1IXEa9S4g
— Larry King (@kingsthings) April 6, 2017
Rickles' most recent tweet marked his wedding anniversary in March.
He wrote: "We are celebrating our 52nd Wedding Anniversary March 14th. Happy Anniversary my dear wife, Barbara. You are my life. Pussycat (Me)"
We are celebrating our 52nd Wedding Anniversary March 14th. Happy Anniversary my dear wife, Barbara. You are my life. ❤️❌⭕Pussycat
— Don Rickles (@DonRickles) March 12, 2017
(Me)
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Barbara, their daughter Mindy, son-in-law Ed and grandchildren Ethan and Harrison.
