Home > The M.O. > Archives > 2009 > December > 09 > Entry
Interview: Don Rickles
Six decades into one of the most enduring comedy careers in history, Rickles still works up to 75 times a year, performing at venues across the country and appearing on TV and film. And, of course, there’s Las Vegas, where the man Johnny Carson dubbed “Mr. Warmth” has entertained and antagonized crowds with his acerbic wit for 51 consecutive years. Known for his ruthless and insensitive jabs at his audience, Rickles says his performances are simply his exaggerated take on the shared human experience — “our habits, our way of life and what we are.”
“I’m really an average guy to hang around with as friends,” Rickles said recently by phone from California, a few weeks ahead of his appearance at the Paramount Theatre today and Friday. “It’s all an image that you create. You gotta be a personality that’s a little different. I tell young people: To get successful, you’ve gotta be different and take chances.” One of the biggest chances Rickles took on stage early in his career came at a small Hollywood club in 1957. In a story that has become legend, Rickles, who by that time already had become known for his interactions with the crowds as much as for his joke telling, spotted Frank Sinatra in the audience and quipped, “Make yourself at home, Frank. Hit somebody.”
The line undoubtedly emboldened the brash comedian, who over the years became good friends with Sinatra. In the golden age of Vegas and Hollywood, when celebrities were treated like royalty, Rickles was never scared to take shots at those in the loftiest of perches. And in the spirit of the idea that every good gang needs one funny guy around to keep everyone loose and lighten the mood, Rickles became a bit of the court jester for The Rat Pack. But the jokes, despite their sting, always seemed to come from a place of love. “All those big stars, when I was in Las Vegas, they came to see me because they wanted me to kid with them,” Rickles said. “I was never mean-spirited, even to this day. And the majority of them enjoyed it when I mentioned them or talked about them and it became part of ‘Don Rickles.’ “
As legendary director-producer Carl Reiner said in the documentary “Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project”: “If you hadn’t been insulted by Rickles, you hadn’t made it.”
Rickles did not always envision a career for himself in comedy. Drawn to the screen and stage, he attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. But after a failed round of theatrical auditions, the former Navy man began to realize that his way into show business would be alone on a stage with a microphone.
“I would have loved to have been more involved (in movies) or on the Broadway stage, which is one thing I missed,” Rickles said. “But I got so involved doing comedy in those days, and jobs were coming to me and money was a factor. I was very pleased to hear that nightclub guys wanted me, and so it overpowered the idea of waiting around for a movie and so forth.
“I did a round (of auditions) on Broadway, and I wasn’t too lucky with that. But I picked up a few movies along the way, and, all in all, it turned out OK. I would’ve enjoyed doing more film work, but in my day, you can’t have the whole cake. So, I enjoyed my part of the comedic side, and I have no regrets.”
Nor should he. In a career that has spanned 60 years, the rapscallion whose acid tongue is mellowed by a wink and a smile has continued to find a way to relate to audiences of all ages. Rickles, who has always written his own material, says the key to staying relevant and resonating with his fans isn’t so much in coming up with the most clever jokes or shocking punch lines, but being likable.
“The basic thing is, people have to like you personally,” he said. “I can get up there and tell you the funniest jokes in the world, but if I’m not kind of a likable guy or have a way about me, then you don’t gotta chance … So it’s the personality that has to be the basis. If they like the personality and what you do, you’ve got a chance.”
Don Rickles in Austin
Where: Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave.
When: Thursday and Friday. Doors at 7 p.m.; show at 8 p.m.
Cost: $45-$135
More information: (866) 977-6849, austintheatre.org
Worth noting: Those who bring new or gently used blankets or sleeping bags; winter accessories (hats, scarves, gloves); new socks; long johns; or Large-XXL adult jackets to the Paramount when purchasing tickets to see ‘Mr. Warmth’ will avoid all service charges, receive free parking and two free drinks. Donations benefit Front Steps.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment Categories: Interview
Comments
Austinites love to be heard, and we're giving you a bullhorn. We just ask that you keep things civil. Leave out the personal attacks. Do not use profanity, ethnic or racial slurs, or take shots at anyone's sexual orientation or religion. If you can't be nice, we reserve the right to remove your material and ban users who violate our Visitor's agreement. Click here to report comment abuse.
By Ctezz
December 10, 2009 3:03 PM | Link to this
I can’t wait to see the new documentary “Rattling Rickles” starring Matt Shook.