(Photo by Mark Mainz/Getty Images for AFI)
Don Rickles’ death on Thursday has left the comedy world with a big hole to fill. For now though, comedians are remembering him as he would like to be remembered: with jokes.
Rickles died on Thursday at age 90, just a month before he was to turn 91. His representative said he died of kidney failure.
“A God died today. Don Rickles, we did not want to ever lose you. Never,” Tom Hanks wrote on Twitter.
Although Jerry Seinfeld hasn’t commented on Twitter yet, in 2014, he said Rickles was on his Mount Rushmore of Comedy during a 2014 tribute to Rickles. Seinfeld also included Rickles in his Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee series.
“He was called ‘The Merchant of Venom,’ but in truth, he was one of the kindest, caring, and most sensitive human beings we have ever known. We are devastated and our world will never be the same. We were totally unprepared for this,” Bob Newhart and his wife, Ginnie, told Variety.
“Don coming on our show was always a highlight for me. Just endless mischief and nonsense, and a guy who would make the audience go completely crazy. Such a professional, such a gentleman. I already miss him,” David Letterman told Variety.
Here’s a look at how comedians and celebrities around the world are reacting to Rickles’ death. This post will be updated as more tweets come in.
Patton Oswalt:
In lieu of flowers, Don Rickles’ family has requested that people drop their pants and fire a rocket. #RIPDonRickles
“Is he laughing? Is MLK laughing? But folks… Oh nice, Dean Martin’s here. Don’t worry Dean, Jerry’s right behind me.” #RicklesInHeaven
Lewis Black:
Don Rickles was a cyclone of funny with a heart of gold. Is God ready for your maniacal wit? Would love to hear what you said on arrival.
Jimmy Kimmel:
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
George Takei:
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.
Larry King, who was friends with Rickles for nearly 60 years:
A national treasure is gone. Don Rickles’ talent was limitless. To know him was a gift. He kept me laughing during 58-years of friendship.
Bob Sagat called Rickles his “dad”:
My friend, my dad, the funniest biggest hearted of them all. A beautiful husband and father. My heart is broken. Rest In Peace. Don Rickles.
Barbara Eden of I Dream of Jeannie fame:
Billy Crystal:
Don Rickles has passed away.
A giant loss.
Jim Carey:
Gilbert Gottfried:
Bill Eichner:
RIP Don Rickles. One of the funniest people that ever lived, you dumb schmuck.
Jeff Ross called him the “greatest of all time”:
Jim Gaffigan simply called him a “legend”:
RIP Don Rickles. Legend.
Craig Ferguson:
Aw jeez. Rickles .Sweetest, funniest, legend and mensch. Came to a party at my house gave me a dollar and told me to get a nicer place.#RIP
Dane Cook called him “one of the funniest ever”:
Quite simply one of the funniest ever.
RIP Don Rickles 90
John Hodgman recalled a time Rickles was on The Daily Show:
Michael McKean:
Jim Norton posted a photo of himself with Rickles:
One of the funniest, ballsiest comics of all time. RIP Don Rickles.
Marc Maron:
Rickles is gone. He was the best, you hockey pucks. RIP
Jay Mohr recalled that time he spoke with Rickles on a plane:
LeVar Burton:
God Bless Don Rickles, aka, Mr. Warmth! Proud to have been heckled by him from the stage many times! #RIP
Tom Hanks:
A God died today. Don Rickles, we did not want to ever lose you. Never. Hanx.
Barbra Streisand:
Being skewered by Don Rickles was side-splitting funny.
A gentle soul with rapid fire wit. xoB
Lee Unrich, the director of Toy Story 4:
One of my favorite notes I got from Don Rickles:
Mel Brooks:
Don Rickles. One of the bravest, funniest, and sweetest guys that ever performed. A dear pal that we will all sorely miss.
