The king of the insult comics, Don Rickles, has died at age 90, according to multiple media reports.
Well known for insulting his famous friends and his audiences, the comedian was still beloved by those he skewered. The legendary Rickles was a longtime Malibu resident, first living on the beach in the Colony and later moved in 2005 to spacious home on Point Dume.
Rickles rose to fame in the 1960s and ’70s with his act of delivering bullet-fast derisive remarks to people, usually mocking their ethnicity, their looks, spouses or anything else outrageous. By today’s standards it seems impossible his outspokenness would succeed, but Rickles had a successful television career, standup act and even movie roles, including one of his most memorable in the Martin Scorsese drama “Casino.”
Dubbed “Mr. Warmth,” Rickles made the first of one of his many appearances in 1965 on the “Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson. Rickles’ trademark disdain for the audience delighted Carson and the two were friends for many years. Rickles also had famous friendships with Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Barbara, whom he claimed “likes to lie in bed signaling ships with her jewelry,” a daughter and two grandchildren.