Net Worth Ranker
What Was Don Rickles’ Net Worth?
At the time of his death in 2017, Don Rickles, the iconic American stand-up comedian and actor, had a net worth estimated at $30 million. This figure reflects his decades-long career in entertainment, encompassing stand-up comedy, film, television, and voice acting.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Donald Jay Rickles was born on May 8, 1926, in Queens, New York. He spent his childhood in the Jackson Heights neighborhood. After graduating from Newtown High School in 1944, he served in the United States Navy during World War II as a seaman, receiving an honorable discharge in 1946. Following his military service, Rickles pursued acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Initially aiming for dramatic roles, he found his niche in comedy clubs across New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. His unique style of insult comedy quickly gained traction, leading him to become known as an insult comedian. He discovered that audiences enjoyed his off-the-cuff insults more than his prepared material, making it a permanent fixture of his act.
Stand-Up Comedy and Early Film Roles
Rickles spent over two decades performing in nightclubs before making his film debut in the 1958 war drama “Run Silent Run Deep.” He continued to take on acting roles, appearing in films such as “X: The Man with the X-Ray Eyes” (1963), “Bikini Beach” (1964), “Enter Laughing” (1967), and “Kelly’s Heroes” (1970). During the 1970s and 1980s, Rickles became a regular on Dean Martin’s Celebrity Roasts, which ran from 1973 to 1984. He paid tribute to friends like Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, and Lucille Ball. In 1976, he starred in the TV series “CPO Sharkey,” where he played an acid-tongued U.S. Navy officer. The show aired for two years.
Las Vegas and Television Appearances
In the early 1980s, Rickles began performing in concerts in Las Vegas alongside Steve Lawrence. The duo also co-hosted “Foul-Ups, Bleeps & Blunders” in 1983. Don Rickles was a frequent guest on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” for many years. In 1985, Frank Sinatra, asked to perform at Ronald Reagan’s second inaugural ball, insisted that Rickles be allowed to perform as well.
Later Career and “Toy Story” Franchise
In 1990, Don Rickles appeared in an episode of “Tales from the Crypt” titled “The Ventriloquist’s Dummy.” In 1992, he was cast in John Landis’s film “Innocent Blood.” A year later, he starred in the sitcom “Daddy Dearest” with Richard Lewis, which was short-lived. Rickles experienced a career resurgence in 1995 when he voiced Mr. Potato Head in the animated Pixar movie “Toy Story,” alongside Tom Hanks and Tim Allen. That same year, he played Billy Sherbert in Martin Scorsese’s “Casino.” In 1999, he reprised his role as Mr. Potato Head in “Toy Story 2”. In 1998, Rickles starred as George Wilson in “Dennis the Menace Strikes Again” and also appeared in “Dirty Work” as a film theater manager.
“Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project” and Later Years
In February 2007, Rickles made a cameo appearance as himself in an episode of “The Unit.” In 2007, he released his memoir, “Rickles’ Book.” A documentary about his life, “Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project,” directed by John Landis, premiered on HBO on December 2, 2007. The documentary earned Don Rickles a Primetime Emmy for Individual Performance in a Variety Program, competing against David Letterman, Jon Stewart, and Stephen Colbert. In 2010, Rickles reprised his role as Mr. Potato Head in “Toy Story 3.” He was scheduled to reprise his role in “Toy Story 4” but passed away before beginning the project. The film was dedicated to his memory, and unused archive recordings of Rickles were used for the 2019 film.
Tributes and Late Night Appearances
During the later years of his life, Don Rickles continued to make frequent appearances on late-night talk shows. In 2014, numerous celebrities celebrated his 88th birthday with a televised special, “One Night Only: An All-Star Tribute to Don Rickles.” The event featured tributes from Jerry Seinfeld, Robert De Niro, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Regis Philbin, Nathan Lane, and David Letterman. Jerry Seinfeld described Rickles as being part of the “Mount Rushmore of Stand-up Comedy,” alongside George Carlin, Richard Pryor, and Bill Cosby. On May 11, 2015, he appeared as a guest on one of the final episodes of “The Late Show with David Letterman.”
Personal Life and Marriage
Rickles married Barbara Sklar of Philadelphia on March 14, 1965, after meeting her through his agent. They had two children, Mindy Rickles and Larry Rickles. Don Rickles passed away from kidney failure at the age of 90 on April 6, 2017, at his home in Los Angeles. Barbara Rickles died from non-Hodgkins lymphoma on March 14, 2021, which was their 56th wedding anniversary.
Real Estate: Malibu Property
In 2003, Don Rickles purchased a 1-acre property in Malibu, California, for $1.875 million. This property, located in a gated community, included a lighted tennis court and a large grassy yard with access to an exclusive beach. In December 2016, Rickles listed the home for sale for just under $8 million. Following his death, his heirs sold the property for $6.5 million. The buyer was the founder of Equinox fitness clubs, who rents the home for $25,000 per month when not using it personally.
Don Rickles’ Contributions to Comedy and Entertainment
Don Rickles, known as “The Merchant of Venom” and “Mr. Warmth,” left an indelible mark on the world of comedy. His ability to deliver caustic insults with an underlying charm influenced generations of comedians. He made numerous appearances on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” and “The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast,” where his quick-witted barbs became legendary. Despite his abrasive stage persona, Rickles was known offstage as a kind and gentle person. His contributions to film and television, including his role as Mr. Potato Head in the “Toy Story” franchise, solidified his place in entertainment history.
Accolades and Recognition
Throughout his career, Don Rickles received numerous accolades and recognition for his contributions to comedy and entertainment. In 2008, he won a Primetime Emmy for Individual Performance in a Variety Program for the documentary “Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project.” He was also honored with a televised tribute in 2014, celebrating his 88th birthday with appearances from various celebrities who admired his work. Jerry Seinfeld hailed Rickles as a member of the “Mount Rushmore of Stand-up Comedy,” acknowledging his significant influence on the genre. These accolades highlight the impact and legacy of Don Rickles as a comedian and entertainer.
