Funny story - my wife was "fresh off the boat" from Japan in the late 60's and her then new husband took her to a dinner show in Las Vegas to see Don Rickles. During his act, he singles her out and starts in with the squinty eyes, buck teeth and pigeon English. Everyone but her got a good laugh. Rickles sent over champagne and roses after the show but she hates that guy to this day.
"There was always a sentimental side to Don Rickles. Not convinced? Then consider this, ya hockey puck, from that album Hello, Dummy: "Will Rogers once said, 'I never picked on a little guy, only big people.' May I say to this entire audience, on a hectic night, you are pretty big and I do thank each and every one of you."
Rickles wanted everyone to know that his insults were all in fun — but let's face it, it's the insults we're remembering. Ya hockey puck."
I have a few friends that are so quick that no matter what you throw at them they can spin it and use it against you. I've never been that quick. Once in a blue moon I might come up with a zinger but not very often. Don Rickles was the Master! Loved his humor! RIP.
I think it was Mr. Potato Head in the movie Toy Story that used Don Rickles' famous lines.
He was a very talented man. I'll never forget when he showed up on the Tonight Show and kissed Frank Sinatra right on the lips. I said to myself "he's a dead man".
Rickles got his big break thanks to Sinatra. Frank walked in on one of his stand up routines, and Rickles famously said (paraphrasing here from memory): "Frank! Make yourself at home... hit somebody!"
Sinatra booked him as his lead in after that. The rest is history.