Trivia

When he guest-hosted the December 13, 1976 episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962), he accidentally broke the wooden cigarette box which Johnny Carson kept on his desk. When Carson returned to the show the following night and discovered what had happened, he interrupted filming of CPO Sharkey (1976), which Rickles was filming, for a confrontation.

He never wrote down any of his jokes. He always came up with jokes on the spot.

Served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Cyrene in World War II.

He got his nickname "Mr. Warmth" from Johnny Carson.

Aspired to be a serious actor and studied drama at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA) before doing stand-up comedy. His classmates included Grace Kelly, Anne Bancroft and Jason Robards.

Became known as an insult comedian when he responded to his hecklers. The audience enjoyed these insults more than his prepared material, and he incorporated them into his act.

Attended and graduated from Newtown High School in Elmhurst, Queens, New York. Carroll O'Connor is also an alumnus.

He was a regular on "The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast". He was even a guest of honor on the variety show.

Enlisted in the United States Navy and served during World War II on the motor torpedo boat tender USS Cyrene as a seaman first class.

On the night of April 6, 1972, Rickles performed at the NYC Copacabana. In the audience was notorious mob kingpin Joe Gallo, celebrating his birthday. Amused by how Rickles made him the butt of several jokes, he invited the comedian to his birthday dinner party after the show. Rickles politely declined, which was fortunate. During Gallo's party, multiple gunmen entered the restaurant and opened fire, striking Gallo several times. He died in hospital hours later.

He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Live Theatre at 6834 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on October 17, 2000.

Claimed his idol was Milton Berle, ever since he was a child.

The son of Etta (Feldman) and Max Sidney Rickles, his father was a Russian Jewish immigrant. His mother was born in New York, to Austrian Jewish parents. Don Rickles and his wife were the grandparents of Ethan Mann and Harrison Mann.

Father was a successful clothing salesman.

Alumnus of the AADA (American Academy of Dramatic Arts), Class of 1948.

Family moved to Jackson Heights, Queens, New York when he was a young child.

Seen by some as an imitator of Jack E. Leonard.