Don Rickles Biography E-Book

Emily Whiteman

• Herausgeber: Emily Whiteman
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Beschreibung

How did Don Rickles become the King of Insult Comedy?

Don Rickles shimmied onto the stage, scowled at the audience, and growled, “I’m looking at all you lousy hockey pucks out there...” The room exploded in laughter. For over six decades, Rickles launched comedic grenades that shattered propriety and decency - and audiences couldn’t get enough.

This definitive biography explores how one performer revolutionized stand-up comedy and made insult humor an art form. You’ll discover:

How a shy son of Jewish immigrants honed a talent for improvised insults and turned it into a headline comedy act.
How Rickles went from a World War II Navy man to rubbing elbows with legends in the industry.
The genuine warmth and kindness Rickles showed his wife, his children, and his dedication to philanthropy.
...and many more!

This book is a must-read for fans of Don Rickles and anyone who wants to be inspired by the incredible life story of a performer who broke molds and made the world laugh.

Don’t wait any longer - order your copy and start reading today! You'll be thrilled and delighted to learn about the brilliant career of the one and only Don Rickles.

Leseprobe

Don Rickles

Biography

The King of Insults

Emily Whiteman

Table of Contents

Copyright Notice

Introduction

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Conclusion

Copyright Notice

All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2023 by Emily Whiteman.

Introduction

The lights dim in the crowded Las Vegas theater and the audience leans forward in anticipation. A spotlight suddenly illuminates the stage, revealing a short, stocky man in a black suit. Before the cheers even begin to die down, Don Rickles steps up to the microphone and unleashes his rapid-fire barrage of insults and wisecracks. The crowd explodes in laughter at his politically incorrect jokes, welcoming the onslaught against themselves, their wives, and humanity in general. This was the domain of legendary insult comic Don Rickles, the "Merchant of Venom" who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most beloved, influential, and frequently imitated comics of all time.

Born in 1926 in New York City's ethnically diverse Jackson Heights neighborhood, Rickles endured anti-semitism and teasing as a youth that likely fueled his combative comedic style. After serving heroically in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Rickles set out to be a dramatic actor. However, when he spontaneously fired off a sarcastic remark at a heckler one night early in his career, the audience erupted with laughter and Rickles realized crude insult comedy was his true calling. His bold, brazen style was shockingly original for the 1950s era as he verbally assaulted people based on ethnicity, appearance, and weight, all with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Audiences were startled but soon realized it was good-natured ribbing coming from a master entertainer. 

As Rickles' caustic but charming stage persona gained popularity, he earned the nicknames "The Merchant of Venom" and "Mr. Warmth" (uttered sarcastically). His big break came in 1957 with his first appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Rickles' biting barbs initially flustered Carson, but soon the host was joining in the laughter. More late night appearances followed, endearing Rickles to the public. Casino performances in Las Vegas cemented his status as an A-list headliner. Now rubbing elbows with the likes of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin as part of the Rat Pack, Rickles garnered fame for blistering tv and nightclub roasts where no celebrity was safe from his wicked mockery. 

While thriving as an insult comic, Rickles remained a versatile performer acting in movies, sitcoms, and cartoons like Toy Story as the voice of Mr. Potato Head. His humor seemed edgy for its day but was rooted in a deep understanding of human nature. Though caustic on stage, Rickles was actually quite shy and mild-mannered in his personal life. His politically incorrect jokes came from a desire to spread laughter, not malice. In an increasingly sensitive society, Rickles' style endured because audiences recognized he was targeting stereotypes, not promoting them. At its core, his comedy revealed difficult truths about prejudice through the lens of humor. 

In his later years, Rickles slowed down but never truly retired, still possessing his trademark lightning wit. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 90, widely beloved as a trailblazing comedy innovator. The celebrities and fans he mockingly nicknamed "hockey pucks" and "dummies" knew Rickles' insults came from a place of deep affection. Though the "Merchant of Venom's" voice has been silenced, his impact on comedy is everlasting. This revealing biography will chronicle the long, laughter-filled life of insult comedy pioneer Don Rickles and preserve the legacy of a complex comedic genius who mastered the art of funny.

Chapter 1

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Childhood and Family Background

"Get outta here, ya hockey puck!"  The insult rang out in the crowded nightclub, followed immediately by an eruption of laughter. The stocky, sharp-tongued comic on stage peered out with feigned contempt at the heckler, eyes twinkling with mischief. It was 1947, and 22-year-old Don Rickles had just spontaneously unleashed his first trademark insult at a disruptive audience member. That moment of impromptu venom marked the origin of the caustic comedic style that would make Rickles legendary. However, long before the "Merchant of Venom" emerged, there was just Donald Jay Rickles, a youth navigating a difficult childhood in Jackson Heights, Queens. 

Born in 1926 to Jewish parents Max and Etta Rickles, Don described his upbringing as "poor but happy." The anti-Semitism prevalent in America at the time reared its ugly head frequently for the Rickles family. Young Don endured cruel taunts from bullies for his ethnicity and diminutive stature. "Because we lived in a mixed neighborhood, the non-Jewish kids would chase me home, yelling 'Jew! Jew!'" he recalled. These experiences as a victim of prejudice shaped Rickles' worldview and would later inform his biting, controversial comedic style. 

Despite the hardship, Rickles found joy during his formative years thanks to the strong family bonds in the Rickles' household. Don's father Max was gregarious and quick-witted, while mother Etta was doting and gentle. His parents instilled in Don a strong work ethic and sense of determination. "Quitting anything never entered my mind," Rickles asserted. This grit would enable him to endure the early hardships and prejudice on his way to later success. The details of his family and early home life were kept private, it appears Don Rickles was an only child.

After graduating from Newtown High School in 1943, Rickles promptly enlisted in the Navy during World War II. The discipline required of a sailor only deepened his resolve. He displayed bravery in combat while serving in the Philippines, earning the moniker "Bullet Head" from his crewmates. By the war's end in 1945, Rickles had grown from a boy into a resilient, clear-eyed man. 

Upon returning home, Rickles enrolled in the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, dreaming of becoming a serious actor like his idol Clark Gable. However, he quickly became frustrated by a lack of opportunities. Then came that fateful night at a seedy Miami club in 1947, when Rickles spontaneously insulted the heckler. The laughs he received awakened him to his true talent - amusing others through insults and wisecracks.