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Don Rickles
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Don Rickles was the ultimate putdown artist, comedy's unquestioned master of the insult. No one -- regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or cultural standing -- escaped the vicious taunts of "Mr. Warmth"; even audience members, as well as other celebrities, were fair game for his delirious rages of verbal abuse. Born Donald Jay Rickles in New York City on May 8, 1926, he initially set out to become a serious actor, and even attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts; ... his short, stocky physique and balding head firmly typecast him as a character actor, and he found work infrequently. During a long dry spell between acting assignments, Rickles began working up a nightclub act. At the outset, his material was traditional and tame; however, when annoyed by hecklers he shot back with a string of brutal, rapid-fire putdowns, much to the delight of the audience. As a result, Rickles gradually transformed himself into the so-called "Merchant of Venom," a loud-mouthed misanthrope attacking everyone in range.
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Don Rickles was the ultimate putdown artist, [C]omedy's unquestioned master of the insult. No one -- regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or cultural standing -- escaped the vicious taunts of "Mr. Warmth"; even audience members, as well as other celebrities, were fair game for his delirious rages of verbal abuse. Born Donald Jay Rickles in New York City on May 8, 1926, he initially set out to become a serious actor, and even attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts; ... his short, stocky physique and balding head firmly typecast him as a character actor, and he found work infrequently. During a long dry spell between acting assignments, Rickles began working up a nightclub act. At the outset, his material was traditional and tame; however, when annoyed by hecklers he shot back with a string of brutal, rapid-fire putdowns, much to the delight of the audience.
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Don Rickles began his rise to stardom as a dedicated student at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Like many star struck kids in the early days of film, Rickles dreamed of being on the silver screen. After a stint in the military during WWII Rickles made his dream a reality. His first film, Run Silent Run Deep, was released in 1958 and Rickles finally acted with the big stars. Clark Gable starred in the film. Critics and audiences appreciated Rickles' work and he was soon cast in another film.
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In 1959, Don Rickles signed for his first Las Vegas appearance. He clicked immediately and has headlined there every year since. In the mid ‘60’s, even though he had attained some success in nightclubs, Rickles was still far from a national name. He had been working in clubs, and doing television and motion picture acting assignments for more than 15 years.
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Don Rickles was born in Queens, New York. His father, Max Rickles, died when he was young. After graduating from high school, Rickles joined the Navy serving during World War II until he was honorably discharged in 1946.
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Don Rickles was born from Jewish parents in the New York City borough. Upon graduating from high school, Don Rickles went on to serve in the Second World War by entering the U.S. Navy. But in 1946, he was honorably discharged from his post.
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Don Rickles