Don Rickles died at the age of 90 on Thursday, and Hollywood stars and comedians have taken to Twitter to pay tribute to the legendary insult comic.
Rickles, ironically nicknamed “Mr. Warmth” for his cutting sense of humor, died of kidney failure at his home in Los Angeles. Following news of his passing, fans and admirers shared stories of being inspired and insulted by Rickles over the years, and honored his legacy as a comedian and entertainer.
“90 years with Don Rickles weren’t enough,” Jimmy Kimmel wrote in a tweet. “One of the sweetest and most lovely people I had the pleasure of knowing. We miss you already.”
Patton Oswalt remembered him with a Rickles-style joke, writing, “In lieu of flowers, Don Rickles’ family has requested that people drop their pants and fire a rocket.”
Rickles frequently appeared on late night talk shows, making his first appearance on “The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson” in 1965. He was also a prolific actor who appeared on shows like “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” “The Addams Family” and “Gilligan’s Island” in the 1960s, and became a fixture on “The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast” specials.
See more reactions below:
Once in a lifetime a comedian like #DonRickles comes along. And as good a friend as anyone could have. I love you and will miss you Don.
— David Steinberg (@david_steinberg) April 6, 2017
One of the all time great men & comics Don Rickles passed, always a class act & funny as hell. RIP condolences to his family & to America
— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) April 6, 2017
A packed room @CaesarsPalace Don introduced me like this, "A fabulous woman, an Oscar, Emmy winner and former hooker…" so sad he's gone. https://t.co/HfW6P2YPxi
— Helen Hunt (@HelenHunt) 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
Don Rickles is gone at 90 years young. He was quite literally one of the funniest people to walk… https://t.co/IbakEHxwDe
— Dane Cook (@DaneCook) April 6, 2017
God bless #DonRickles It was a pleasure meeting you and an honor to be insulted by you. Be careful in Heaven, they don't 'Roast' there. RIP
— Nigel Lythgoe OBE (@dizzyfeet) April 6, 2017
I saw Don Rickles at the Daily Show once. He had no idea who I was. He looked at my face & said "Stop worrying. It's all going to be great" https://t.co/jOriPr9tqu
— John Hodgman (@hodgman) April 6, 2017
In lieu of flowers, Don Rickles' family has requested that people drop their pants and fire a rocket. #RIPDonRickles
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) April 6, 2017
https://twitter.com/JohnRossBowie/status/850048628303446017
damn it, we lost a great one #DonRickles fast furious brilliant for decades the definition of genius
— Sandra Bernhard (@SandraBernhard) April 6, 2017
https://twitter.com/JenKirkman/status/850048600566616064
RIP Don Rickles. One of the funniest people that ever lived, you dumb schmuck.
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) April 6, 2017
Legendary Comic Don Rickles Dies at 90 https://t.co/53nkFvON1x via @thr What a loss – he was more than a #Legend #RIPDonRickles
— Gale Anne Hurd (@GunnerGale) 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
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
RIP Don Rickles, 90.
One of the funniest men who ever lived. pic.twitter.com/8RvD1hGj2R— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) April 6, 2017
Don Rickles on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, 1978https://t.co/ANLKkKstIM
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) April 6, 2017