To Mr. Donald Jay Rickles:
I guess only a true fan would know your middle name. I'm 46 years old and I have been a huge fan since the mid-sixties and I was floored when I saw you
for the first time on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. There haven't been many times in recent years where your sides ache from laughing, but you're
one of the few left on this planet that can make me feel that way.
I will never forget that "Dean Martin Show" where you walked out in a set-up nightclub with so many celebrities to go after. We were all talking about and
repeating the insults the next day in school:
To Dom DeLuise: "There's Dom DeLuise there, sucking on the ice...trying to get another drink. Let me tell you quite frankly Dom, you have a bad body."
To Ricardo Montelban: "Ricardo is here, tonight. Here's some mud, finish your hut!"
To Pat Boone: "A glass of milk, huh, Pat? Hope you get prickly heat all over your stomach!"
Dean Martin was such a class gentleman. In fact, some video company is offering the "Best of Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts" which brought back some
wonderful memories.
One excahnge went like this:
Rickles: "It takes many years to become a great comedian..."
Dean Martin: "Yeah, and you ain't reached that year yet!"
Rickles: "Ah, thanks, Jerry!"
Today's comics with their situation comedies just don't cut it anymore for me. It's just to cynical for me. I miss desperately the old music/variety format
the networks used to have.
I afraid we as a society have forgotten how to laugh and that is a tragedy. Forgive my sentimentality but I appreciate you and your humor. To paraphrase you,
let us all enjoy while almighty God gives us time. I'm glad that God gave us you...to remind us that funny...can be that...funny. Without being hard-edged
about it.
Groucho Marx once told a little story about being approached by a little old lady on the street and giving him the nicest compliment he ever heard: "Don't
die...keep on living!" I wish your and your loving Barbara the same.
Yours,
Kevin Van Meter
Ring Announcer
Golden Gloves/Madison Square Garden
Dear Don:
Wonderful web site. Just saw Don on Larry King Live, it was wonderful
with all the clips of delightful occasions. Please let me ask if a video
of the Dean Martin Roast is available to buy? Thank you Don for so many
years of goooood laughs. Keep going you hockypuck, the world would be
lost without you.
Best regards.
Chuck Banks
Dear Don:
The next time you play Seattle, make sure you drop my my #1
Afternoon Radio Show...I've got some one liners you've NEVER used.
Loved ya on Larry King... he's looking much older...you younger.
Gary Crow
Dear Don:
It's impossible to describe how hard it is to stop laughing when Rickles
is in full manic mode on stage. For 30 years I've followed this
legend's career from raucous live guest shots through so-so sitcoms. I
especially remember with glee all the hilarious visits the Master made
to Carson's show that inevitably ended with Johnny literally falling off
his chair in a fit of frivolity and gut-wrenching guffawing. In
particular, Don's pungent barbs directed at Ed McMahon never failed to
twist Johnny's face in tortuous contortions as the King of Latenight
struggled in vain to maintain composure. Only one other comedian comes
to mind that ever had a similar effect on me and Carson: Rodney
Dangerfield. Rickles remains my favorite because his humor is a
combustible mixture of sheer wit and lethal delivery. My life will be
considered incomplete until I am made the recipient of a Rickles dagger
in the heat of a live concert performance. I'm already planning a Vegas
sojourn to coincide with a Rickles show at the Desert Inn.
Long live the Master of Mirth!
M. Lorberau
Dear Don:
I am a great fan of Mr. Rickles.. He is the best medicine that the good
Lord could have provided us with on this earth.. If more people would
watch him the world would be a better place, and there would be less
idiots on Prozak... Could I please get an autographed picture to me
personally ?? I want it to hang on the wall in my office, and that is
why I want it to be signed to me personally. This would mean a lot to
me.. Please tell him I wish him the best in the world , and to keep up
his great way of dispensing goodness in this world...
God Bless
Mike Hammers
ps.. Tell him not to buy any Larry King goofy suspenders !!!!!!
Dear Don:
I have been a very big fan of yours for 25 years. I remember watching
you on
the Dean Martin roasts in the 70's. I would sit with my mother and
father in front of
the T.V. and laugh out loud. You know you are killing when you can make
a 7 year
old kid laugh and my parents all at the same time. It is a moment
growing up I will
always remember as a family activity. At that time my father was in the
Air Force
thus my family was in the service also. We where stationed in Germany
for 3 years
and the only TV we got was one American channel and you where the guy we
would watch.
I can still remember even as a small kid the feelings of being not in
America and
just wanting to do the same things that other kids in the states were
doing and
the best time that we could have was watching you and knowing that our
family was
not so isolated.
From a long time fan -- thanks for everything!
Tom P. Street
Dear Don:
I am a 15-year-old student from Unionville, Michigan, and I have been a
fan of yours throughout your career. You are
awesome!!! You are a very respected person.
Thank you.
Tyler Manninen
Dear Don:
HEY YOU, THERE ! ! !
I'LL ENJOY YOUR WEBPAGE IF I FEEL LIKE IT ! I DON'T NEED THE
WORLD'S TOP HOCKEY-PUCK TO TELL ME WHAT TO DO ! SO, JUST
GET REAL, YOU MORON. AND DON'T YOU CALL ME A MORON! I'M
A VERY OLD LADY (YES I AM A LADY) OF 80 YEARS YOUNG. YES I
HAVE WRINKLES, AND MY WRINKLES HAVE WRINKLES. HOW ABOUT
YOU? GIVE MY BEST WISHES TO YOUR SWEET WIFE! SHE'S A SAINT!
MUCHO AMOR...AND I REALLY MEAN THAT! STAY WELL....
LAURINE
Dear Don:
You have some great fans here in western Massachusetts and we have a
terrific comedy club locally called the Huke Lau in Chicopee. We would be
thrilled if you would try and book it after your trip to Greensburg, PA in
January. We would get a whole busload of fans to come. It would be the
entertainment event of the year around here.
Your number one fan,
Dr. Buford Ewing
Dear Don:
I first listened to "Hello Dummy" when I was in high school in 1968, and
I've been a fan ever since. Thanks for all the laughs. God Bless!
Fred
Dear Don:
Don Rickles is the best. There are so many words to describe him. I
cry tears when I see him on Leno.
Will Don ever write a book?
Unknown
(ed: we hope so!)
Dear Don:
Love your new web site. It's GREAT..!! I've been a fan of yours for
a long, long time. I'm passing this site along to many of my friends.
Just terrific..!! Keep those hockeypucks coming Dandy Don. :)
Very Sincerely yours,
John
Dear Don:
I am 50 years old and and i have been a fan of yours for most of those years,
starting with the ed sullivan show of the early 50s.
You are a comic that I grew to enjoy, not in the early years, but over time,
like fine wine.
Your humor has taken me through good times and very difficult times. I just
wanted to say seriously to u. THANK YOU for your humor.
You have touched my life in a positive way many times and for that I thank you.
A loyal and devoted fan.
I wish you a happy and healthy life and a good PASSOVER.
Glenn
Dear Don:
Please tell Don Rickles thanks for all the laughs over the years...I am 38 &
have enjoyed his humor all my life...I stumbled upon this email address &
wanted to drop a note to wish him well.
Unknown
Dear Don:
The first time I saw the Don Rickles show was at the Riverside Hotel in
Las Vegas. Event was airline Christmas Party 1957 Don was driving '49
Chevy {or thereabouts}. Loved the show and have been loyal fan ever
since.
Dick
Dear Don:
This is clearly the best use of the internet yet. Al Gore should see this.
All right thinking people will be tuning in daily.
I would love it if there were some kind of automated email service that
would tell you when Don will be on TV.
Thanks for the Don Rickles site!
Mark
Dear Don:
Couldn't find a guestbook, but wanted to let ya know I saw Don at the Harrah's Club in Tahoe back in 76. What a great performer he is, and
kinda scarey. I was front row, and he kept messing with everybody, and then he came to my end, and I about crawled under the table so I
wouldnt be next.
And that music which is his theme song kills me.
I have never forgotten that night, and I hope It never happens again. LOL just kidding. He was fabulous.
Mart
Dear Don:
I have always been a big fan of Mr. Rickles. My friends and I died
laughing when we rented "By this tape you hockey puck." I just ordered
"Hello Dummy" off the internet.
Neal
Dear Don:
Seriously, I'm a 39-year old customer service rep with Primeco cellular
and I think Rickles is an embodiment of the classiest level of American
entertainment. He's in the same class as Sinatra, who's properly
eulogized on this site. Rickles maintains the edge without leaning on
dirty words (in public forums), proving he has the talent to create
funny situations - no crutches or easy laughs. Add me to any mailing
list you may be building.
Pete
Dear Don:
I have seen several of your shows in Atlantic City N.J. I"ve never laughed
so hard. Please keep up the good work and the INSULTS . I've been a fan for
a long long time.
Phil
Dear Don:
Used to "hang" at Slate Bros. on La Cienega (yes, I'm that old), sit at
the bar and listen to this young smart ass kid insult everyone in the
room. Thought he would never make a success of himself with that
attitude! Goes to show what the American mentality really is.
If I can be of any help or assistance in the family genealogy area,
please let me know. Discretion is the better part of valor, unless your
doing a show in Las Vegas!
To your continued success in awakening the minds of America.
Regards
Ron
Dear Don:
Just a note to thank you for putting on a great show in Atlantic City
recently. It was the 7/19 show at the Taj. You were hysterical!! I am 28
years old and the first time I caught your act was at the Taj 11/96. I was way
in the back, but it didn't matter-I was still hurting from laughing. This
time I sat pretty close to the front set of tables and enjoyed every minute of
it! I look forward to seeing you hopefully in November if that is the next
time you are at the Taj. My favorite -- "I was a barge going up the Mississippi and my wife was
the dock." Thank You.
Sam
Dear Don:
Just writing to say i am a huge fan and enjoy all his work. Liked his
work especially in Kelly's heroes w/Clint Eastwood. Hope to hear back.
Take care.
Stu
Dear Don:
Funniest man in DA WORLD...and also one Great Actor.
I just wanted to say thanks for the laughs and all the great stuff over
the years and looking forward to a lot more, for many moons to come.
Tom
KISS FM
Vancouver BC
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Dear Don:
I am a big fan of yours and have introduced many others to your performances.
I've dragged people to Vegas to see you live. Before VCRs I used to audio
tape all your appearances on the Tonight Show. I especially enjoyed your
times as guest host. My Uncle met you once after a show in Vegas and took a
picture of you with your wife.
The Dean Martin Roasts were great too. Have they ever tried to get you a
half-hour weekly show on cable? I think that would be great!
Jeff
HEY DON!
JUST WANTED TO SAY I'VE BEEN A BIG FAN EVER SINCE YOUR SCENE IN DIRTY WORK (AT
LEAST A WHOLE YEAR) ANYWAYS,I THINK IT WAS REALLY COOL THAT YOU WORKED WITH
NORM MCDONALD ON HIS MOVIE. IF NOT FOR THAT I MIGHT NOT HAVE EVER HEARD OF
YOU, AS WELL AS OTHER PEOPLE FROM MY GENERATION. I HAVE BEEN ON A QUEST TO GET
ALL OF YOUR VIDEOS AND C.D.S, BUT IT'S DIFFICULT.
I WAS WONDERING WHY YOU ARE PERFORMING IN LORAIN? I AM FROM OLMSTEAD FALLS
ORIGINALLY, AND LORAIN IS NOWHERE NEAR AS LARGE OF A VENUE AS VEGAS. SEVERAL
PEOPLE ON THIS MESSAGE BOARD HAVE REQUESTED AUTOGRAPHS, BUT THE ONLY THING I
WOULD REQUEST IS THAT YOU PERFORM A COUPLE OF SHOWS FROM MY LIVING ROOM OR
BACKYARD(YOUR CHOICE). KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
P.S. IS DON 112 OR 113 THIS YEAR?
KEVIN
Dear Don:
My husband John who is 62 just loves everything Don Rickles has to do or say.
We waited all week to see Don on Larry King tonight and we laughed and
laughed.
Susan Richmond
Dear Don:
Why don't you go buy a horse and live in the mountains? And don't talk
to anybody-ya hump. All my best.
Timothy Rodgers
Hello Mr. Rickles:
Just a note to say thanks for all the years of entertainment. At
60 years old, I usually do not take the time to write notes but you are
special. My wife, and children, have always enjoyed your shows, and T.V.
specials. The Dean Martin Roasts were really great. You are a top performer
and we really appreciate you here in Chicago.
Rusty Carlson
Hello Hockey Pucks:
Great site! The picture of Frank is hysterical. Frank once said "I think
orange is the happiest colour" (75th birthday TV special). To see him in the
doorway, wearing orange, with a big happy smile, and then to scroll down to
the GO AWAY mat.....Well down! I love the site, it's great. I'm a big fan
of Don "Crapgame" Rickles, and I think you've done a fabulous job of
bringing him into my home. I'm especially happy to see the gig schedule.
I've been planning to go to Vegas for my birthday, and now I'm planning it
around the late April shows at The Desert Inn.
Thanks so much and keep up the good work,
Johnny
Dear Don:
Great site! FYI, Don Rickles is a greaduate of New York's American
Academy of Dramatic Arts. His photo can be found, along with those of
his entire class, on a wall in the 5th floor student lounge. Fellow
grads, such as myself, are proud to have gone to the same acting school
as the Great Merchant of Venom. And we admit that although most of us
have some talent, we couldn't carry Rickles' briefcase!
Continued success with your tribute to the Master!
Dee Dobson Harper
Dear Don:
The first time I saw you was at Slate Brothers, In the audiance
were Tony Curtis and his wife Janet Leigh. I then saw you many times in
Las Vegas in the lounge of (I think) The Sahara Hotel. then back in L.A.
on Sunset Blvd with my friend Judy Karl who you use to call the witch
because of her laugh. I just wanted to say that you brought a awful lot
of joy and tears(from laughing so hard). I just want to say thanks for
so much fun.
Harley Rosinsky
Dear Don:
Boy you and Peter Lynch sure know how to clear out an airliner! Maybe
next commercial they will be able to afford a few extras! Anyway,
whatever you do, Peter would look great on your door step this
halloween.
Keep well! A big fan,
Dennis Rea
Dear Don:
I JUST SAW MR. WARMTH FOR THE 1ST TIME IN PERON LAST NIGHT AT WESTBURY, NEW
YORK (NY NOT CT!)
I AM STILL LAUGHING AT THE STUFF HE DID.
ANYWAY, THIS SITE IS FANTASTIC ! IM LOOKING FORWARD TO BOOKMARKING IT AND
RETURNING TO IT OFTEN ! TAKE CARE.
JAY DIAZ
Dear Don:
I love it! Now I get the chance to call YOU a moron!
You're the greatest!
L.Seale
Dear Don:
You have made me laugh countless times!!! I've always enjoyed watching you on
TV, which goes to show you how shitty my life is! Oh well,.....
Seriously, I just wanted to drop you a note and say "Thank You" for the many
laughs you've given me.
Definitely a fan
Bill
Dear Don:
My husband Joe and I are in our 60's and first saw Don Rickles in 1972 at
The Riviera Hitel in Las Vegas. We sat up front (a mistake?) and Don hurled a few
choice insults our way, asking my husband if he was Italian. When Joe replied that he was, Don said, "Here, I'll make you
feel at home." Then proceeded to take
off one of his shoes, handed it to my husband, and said "Have it fixed by the end
of the show." We howled, and so did the audience. We have been fans ever since. We are wondering, if possible, could we
possibly get an autographed picture of Mr. Rickles? That would be so nice!
Thank you, and our bery best to Don and his family. We have now seen over 40
of his shows, both at Tahoe and Las Vegas. We never tire of his humor.
With best regards
Beverly
Dear Don:
I am a big fan of yours.I have every album you made.You were
the real thing,brfore Pryour,or any of them.Anyhow,back in 1971 I drove
out to Lake Tohoe from Cincinnati Ohio to get a summer job.I had a
couple of friends back home that loved you too,so they flew out to see
your show,we all were so excited,but we saw you in the parking lot
getting out of your car ,and you gave us the worst look,we did not know
you hurt your ankle,I think playing tennis,any how guess who replaced
you in the show,Robert Goulie(I think I spelled his name wrong) anyhow
we asked for our money back and they gave it too us.DO you Remember Lake
Tahoe and your accident.
Thanks
A big fan
Bill
Dear Don:
So you got your own web page-what'ye want - a Cookie? Too bad you
don't have a TV program...something like "Kellys Heros"-the best movie I
ever seen. But then, I'm just another Moron-what do I know? Thanks for
your humor-I've been a fan for many years-but I'm still younger than you!
Best Regards
Cal
Dear Don:
As a long time fan, I first want to thank you for many many hours of
laughter.
My wife and I grew up when comedy was an art. The timing and hard work
that went into routines had to be, in hindsight, tremendous. Abbot abd
Costellos 'Who's on First?'...and the characters created by Red Skelton and
Jackie Geason took so much imagination and talent. Your own schtick of the
adlib insult took a sharp mind with a profound sense of comedy. I always appreciated your
finale when you apologized if you really hurt anyones feelings.
It seems like today all ones needs to do is grab their crotch and say
f----. Their put-down comedy has a mean-spiritedness to it that yours never
even hinted at. It's as though they are dead serious when they make fun of old
people or people of the opposite sex.
I see brilliant comedians in todays culture, like Robin Williams
or Eddie Murphy, who degrade the field with gutter humor that is beneath their
talent. I guess because it sells.
Do you think we will ever again demand talent from our comedians? Will our
society ever again laugh at a joke because it is funny rather than its filthy
content?
We will laugh at a dirty joke if it is really funny,...but we never felt
that locker room humor was fit to be the popular style. We find Steve Martin
very funny...and we really liked Gallaghers insight into the absudities of
society...but the current money makers are the same kids who, when you told a
joke on the playgroung and other kids laughed, these types jerked down their
pants and mooned the class nerd. Yes,...it was funny...but it didn't take any
thought, creativity, or intelligence. It's so sad that you, W.C. Fields, Jack
Benny, and others who had the ability to make us laugh till we cried, and
never fondled their private parts or said a single obscenity, have been
relegated to the boneyard.
As long as youth controls the entertainment field with their purchasing
power, I fear our entertainment will reflect immaturity.
Thanks again...and if we could get a picture and autograph,..we would
cherish it along with our other memorabilia from a wonderful, adult age of
long ago.
Chic and Mary Jane
Dear Don:
Have enjoyed your funny and cutting wit and sense of humor for all my life. I hope you stay healthy and continue to entertain us for many
years to come. Loved your appearence on Leno and Letterman recently, I hope you would consider doing Howard Sterns' show, the 2 of you
are cut from the same cloth, I hope this doesn't piss you off by that comparison, I just think you would kick ass on the show and it would
give him a chance to meet the King of Cut and maybe put him in his place abit. I enjoy his show too, But You are the Best in your circle and
most loved by the kids of the 60's and 70's generation.Many prayers and best wishes to you and your lovely wife and family.
Sincerly and with much respect.
Chuck
Dear Don:
Just loved the Don Rickles site. He's been a fave of mine for years.
Thanks for the hard work. Thanks Don for the laughs!
David
Dear Don:
I'm 26 years old and have been a huge fan of Don's since my childhood.
He is a complete genius and gets even better with age. I was lucky
enough to see him perform with Mr. Sinatra a few years back and it was
truly one of the great highlights of my life ( I swear to god I have a
life!!!).
Thanks for honoring Don with such a professional and classy site. He
truly deserves the respect.
Steve
Dear Don:
I grew up at 89-09 32nd Ave Jackson Heights and remember your mother
yelling "Donny come up for lunch!" Also I went to PS 148 of course and
to Newtown Highschool. Remember too the Feldmans on ground floor,
relatives of yours I believe.
Thanks for all the laughs over the years.
George
Dear Don:
We dig it the most!
webchick
Dear Don:
Thanks for putting up this site. Its the first time I saw it, and
brought back lots of smiles and fond memories of The Master of Insults.
Will return often.
Sharon
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