Don Rickles: The Legend Who Turned Insults Into Comedy Gold

What Was Don Rickles' Net Worth?

Let me tell you about Don Rickles, the guy who made turning insults into art look easy. At the time of his death in 2017, Don had amassed a net worth of $30 million. Known as the "Merchant of Venom" and "Mr. Warmth," Don wasn't just a comedian; he was a legend. In the 1950s, he started his career with dreams of becoming a serious actor. But fate had other plans. He discovered his true calling when he started roasting audience members, and boy, did he do it with style.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to get roasted by the best, Don Rickles was your guy. He became a Las Vegas staple, fearlessly roasting everyone from random audience members to mega-stars like Frank Sinatra, who actually became one of his biggest fans. Don had this unique talent for delivering insults with such charm that people couldn’t help but laugh. He wasn’t just making fun of people; he was connecting with them in a way that made everyone feel like they were part of the show.

Don’s comedy wasn’t confined to the stage. He appeared in countless films and TV shows, including "Kelly's Heroes" and "Casino." But one of his most memorable roles was voicing Mr. Potato Head in the "Toy Story" franchise. He was also a regular on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" and "The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast," where his quick-witted humor became legendary. Offstage, Don was known as a kind and gentle person, proving that the man behind the insults was just as warm and lovable as his comedy. He even won an Emmy for the documentary "Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project" in 2008, cementing his status as a comedy icon.

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Early Life: From Queens to Comedy Legend

Donald Jay Rickles was born on May 8, 1926, in Queens, New York. His parents, Max and Etta Rickles, were immigrants, and Don grew up in the Jackson Heights neighborhood. After graduating from Newtown High School in 1944, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during World War II. Once discharged in 1946, Don decided to pursue his dream of becoming a dramatic actor. He attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, but soon realized that acting roles weren’t exactly lining up for him.

That’s when Don stumbled into comedy. He started performing at clubs in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, and something magical happened. When hecklers interrupted his act, Don didn’t back down—he fired back with quick-witted insults that had the audience roaring. It turned out that people loved it more than his prepared material, so he decided to embrace it. That decision changed comedy forever. Don’s ability to roast with charm and humor made him a standout in an industry full of talented comedians.

Career: From Nightclubs to Hollywood

Rickles spent over two decades working the nightclub circuit, perfecting his craft. His big break came in 1958 when he landed a role in the war drama "Run Silent, Run Deep." The film was a hit, and Don continued acting in movies like "X: The Man with the X-Ray Eyes" and "Bikini Beach." But it was his work on "The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast" that truly solidified his place in comedy history. Don was a regular on the show from 1973 to 1984, roasting some of his closest friends, including Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, and Lucille Ball. He even had the honor of roasting Dean Martin himself, proving that no one was off-limits when it came to Don Rickles.

In 1976, Don starred as an acid-tongued U.S. Navy officer in the TV series "CPO Sharkey," which ran for two seasons. He also teamed up with Steve Lawrence for concerts in Las Vegas and co-hosted "Foul-Ups, Bleeps & Blunders" in 1983. Don was a frequent guest on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," where his wit and charm made him a fan favorite. One of his career highlights came in 1985 when he performed at Ronald Reagan’s second inaugural ball at the request of Frank Sinatra. Don considered this performance the pinnacle of his career.

By the early '90s, Don had slowed down a bit, but he made a triumphant return in 1995 with the animated film "Toy Story," where he voiced the iconic Mr. Potato Head. That same year, he starred alongside Robert De Niro in Martin Scorsese’s "Casino." In 1999, Don returned as Mr. Potato Head in "Toy Story 2," proving that he could still deliver laughs to a new generation. He also appeared in films like "Dennis the Menace Strikes Again" and "Dirty Work," showing that his talents weren’t limited to comedy.

In 2007, Don made a cameo on "The Unit" and released his memoir, "Rickles’ Book," on his birthday. A documentary about his life, "Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project," premiered on HBO in December 2007 and earned him a Primetime Emmy. Don continued to work into his later years, reprising his role as Mr. Potato Head in "Toy Story 3" in 2010. Although he passed away before "Toy Story 4," the film was dedicated to his memory, and unused recordings were used to honor him.

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In 2014, Don celebrated his 88th birthday with a televised special called "One Night Only: An All-Star Tribute to Don Rickles." Celebrities like Jerry Seinfeld, Robert De Niro, Tina Fey, and David Letterman paid tribute to the man they considered one of the greatest comedians of all time. Jerry Seinfeld even placed Don alongside legends like George Carlin, Richard Pryor, and Bill Cosby as part of the "Mount Rushmore of Stand-up Comedy." Don made his final TV appearance on "The Late Show with David Letterman" in May 2015.

Personal Life: Love and Legacy

Don admitted that finding love wasn’t easy for him in his younger years. But everything changed when he met Barbara Sklar through his agent in 1964. Despite not initially understanding his humor, Barbara became his rock, and they married on March 14, 1965. Together, they had two children, Mindy and Larry. Don’s personal life was as rich and meaningful as his professional one, filled with love and laughter.

Tragically, Don passed away on April 6, 2017, at the age of 90 due to kidney failure. His beloved Barbara was by his side until the end. Barbara herself passed away on March 14, 2021, from non-Hodgkins lymphoma, coincidentally on what would have been their 56th wedding anniversary. Their love story is a testament to the kind and gentle man Don was offstage.

Real Estate: Don’s Dream Home in Malibu

In 2003, Don purchased a gorgeous 1-acre property in Malibu, California, for $1.875 million. Located in a gated community, the property featured a lighted tennis court, a spacious grassy yard, and access to an exclusive beach. Don listed the home for sale in December 2016 for just under $8 million. After his passing, his heirs sold the home for $6.5 million to the founder of Equinox fitness clubs. The new owner rents it out for $25,000 per month when he’s not using it himself. Check out this video tour to see the beauty of Don’s Malibu retreat.