Don Rickles Net Worth: Lifestyle & Books
Don Rickles, an American actor, screenwriter, and stand-up comedian known for his insult comedy, had a net worth of $30 million at the time of his death.
Further, He is most recognized for his roles in films such as Enter Laughing, Heroes, Casino, and Run Silent, Run Deep.
Furthermore, Rickles worked as a stand-up comedian, actor, and screenwriter for almost six decades.
I’m sure most people have seen Toy Story at least once in a lifetime and are familiar with the character Potato Head.
Don Rickles, in fact, provided the voice-over for the Potato Head.
Not to mention that he was a famous performer in a number of Las Vegas hotels and casinos.
Besides, he was also a close acquaintance of the legendary musician Frank Sinatra and a member of the Rat Pack entertainment.
Subsequently, Rickles appeared more than two dozen times in several talk shows including, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and Late Show with David Letterman,
The late Don Rickles won the Prime Time Award, Hollywood Walk of Fame, TV Land Award to showcase his exceptional career.
Quick Facts
Let’s look out for some quick facts about the American star actor Don Rickles.
| Born Name | Donald Jay Rickles |
| Professional Name | Don Rickles |
| Nick Name | Mr. Warmth |
| Date of Birth | April 6, 2017 |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (1.68 m) |
| Weight | 80 kg (176 cm) |
| Country of Origin | United States of America |
| Birth Place/City | Queens, New York, United States |
| Religion | Jewish people, American Jews |
| Profession | Stand-up Comedian, Actor, Producer, Screenwriter |
| Career | 1955 to 2017 |
| Genres | Insult comedy, Observational comedy, Musical comedy, Improvisational comedy |
| Subject(s) | American culture, Racism, Self-deprecation, Daily Life, Race & Religion, Current events, and situations |
| Net Worth | $30 Million |
| Gender | Male |
| Hair color | Dark Brown |
| Eye color | Green |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| School | Newtown High School |
| College | American Academy of Dramatic Arts |
| Father’s Name | Maxx Rickles |
| Mother’s Name | Etta Rickles |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse/Wife Name | Barbara Sklar (m. 1965) |
| Children/Kids Name | 2 kids (including Larry Rickles) |
| Date of Death | April 6, 2017 |
| Resting Place | Mount Sinai Memorial Park Cemetery |
| Website | Don Rickles Official |
| Social Media |
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter |
| Last Update | April, 2024 |
Net Worth & Income
At the time of his death, Don Rickles had an astounding net worth of $30 million.
Furthermore, he amassed a sizable wealth via his work as an actor, comedian and through numerous lucrative endorsement deals.
In addition, he provided a voice-over in the popular animated film Toy Story.
Furthermore, legendary actor-comedian Rickles received around $7 million from Toy Story 3 and Toy Story 4 films.
According to numerous sources, Don Rickles’ average yearly income, excluding sponsorships and endorsement arrangements, was $5 million.
The actor also made millions from his comedy performances; in fact, his show tickets were believed to cost approximately $2,000 each.
Apart from his events and movies earnings, the comedy legend Don Rickles also earned around $2 million from his lucrative endorsement deals.
In conclusion, with a net worth of $30 million, Don Rickles was one of the richest comedian-actor of his generation.
Net Worth of Don Rickles in Different Currencies
Let’s check out the American comedian, actor Don Rickles’ net worth in numerous currencies, including the cryptocurrency BitCoin.
| Currency | Net Worth |
| Euro | € 25,467,000 |
| Pound Sterling | £ 21,869,550 |
| Australian Dollar | A$ 40,699,650 |
| Canadian Dollar | C$ 38,099,850 |
| Indian Rupee | ₹ 2,244,225,000 |
| BitCoin | ฿ 948 |
Don Rickles: Houses, Cars & Book Publications
Houses
Late Don Rickles paid $1.875 million bought a large residence in Malibu, California, in the early 2000s.
Further, It had a 1-acre lot and is in a gated community in California.
Furthermore, This home also had a lit tennis court, a wide green yard, and access to the exclusive beachfront.
Besides, he offered the home for sale in December 2016 for little less than $8 million.
Even though he died, his descendants sold the house some months later for around $6.5 million.
Nevertheless, the buyer was none other than Harvey Spevak, the CEO of Equinox Fitness Club.
Not to add that this property is now being rented for $25,000 per month.
Cars
The American comedian-actor Don Rickles did not fancy buying luxurious cars and disclosed less about his automobiles.
However, according to several online sources, he had three cool classic cars of his time.
First and foremost, the veteran comedian Rickles owned 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz that has a market price of $225,000 of the present day.
In addition, The next vintage car he possessed was the 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302, which has an estimated price of $135,000.
To sum up the collection of his classic cars, Don Rickles had one of the expensive automobiles of the 1977 Pontiac Firebird.
Lifestyle & Vacations
Lifestyle
Don Rickles, the legendary comedian, and actor, was born Donald Jay Rickles in Queens, New York.
The veteran comedian Don was born on May 8, 1926, to his father, Max Rickles, who immigrated to the United States with his Lithuanian ancestors in the early 1900s.
His mother, Etta Rickles, had an Austrian ancestor.
Indeed, the television entertainer grew up Jewish in Queens’ Jackson Heights area.
Rickle also attended Newtown High School in 1944.
As a result, he joined the United States Navy and served as a sailor during World War II.
Don Rickles was officially discharged from the army in 1946.
On top of that, Rickles later enrolled in the American Academy of Dramatic Arts with the ambition of becoming a comic and theatrical performer.
After appearing in minor roles on television, he became dissatisfied with the mediocre acting possibilities and appeared on stage in comedy shows in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles.
Once he replied to loudmouths, he quickly became recognized as an insult comic; the crowd seemed to love the slurs thrown at them more than his planned content.
As a consequence, he changed the structure of his performance and started insult comedy.
Unfortunately, the veteran actor-comedian Don Rickles laid to rest on April 6, 2017.
Vacation
Despite his reputation as an insult comic, Jewish comedian Don Rickles was a nice and loving man in real life.
Rickles particularly enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and, of course, his wife.
Moreover, he grew an affection for Disneyland and visited it whenever possible.
In addition, the veteran comic went to Disneyland with his closest friend Bob Newhart in 1974.
Besides, Don Rickles adored his wife Barbara Sklar Rickles immensely.
Nonetheless, the couple’s most memorable holiday came in 1969, when they traveled to the Vizinada city’s beach in Croatia.
Don Rickles: Charity Works
A comedian from the United States, Don Rickles, Despite his reputation as an insult comic, was a humanitarian with a heart of gold.
Further, he had always been a nice and compassionate man who helped those in need.
In fact, he organized and performed in an event in which all ticket proceeds were donated to a charitable organization.
Rickles was first and mainly active with the American Heart Association.
In addition, he was a member of the American Stroke Association, a non-profit organization.
Subsequently, Rickes contributed around $25,000 to the pediatric Epilepsy Project.
Furthermore, the experienced comic took part in a number of Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes events.
Nonetheless, Don Rickles was also involved with a number of organizations, including the Friars Foundation, and donated $5,000 to the Saban Medical Clinic.
As a matter of fact, the late comedy-actor Don Rickles supported and participated in numerous causes for the Creative Arts, Diabetes, Health, Veteran & Service Member Support.
Investment, Endorsement, Media Appearances & Books
Investment
Don Rickles, the renowned actor-comedian, certainly amassed some profitable investments throughout his lifetime.
Further, He reportedly owned a couple of restaurants and a bunch of shares in Las Vegas casinos.
Not to mention his significant stake in Hambrecht Asia Acquisition Corporation (SGOCO Group).
In addition, the stock of this corporation increased by 196 percent as retail investors poured into buying his share after his demise.
Endorsement
Don Rickles, the late comedian, signed many endorsement deals over his career.
Furthermore, he had been a lifelong Democrat since his adolescence, and as a result, he endorsed Hilary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election.
Aside from this political endorsement, Rickles received support from famous musician Frank Sinatra.
Not to mention, Don Rickles’ career was greatly influenced by Sinatra’s endorsement.
Sinatra’s support for Rickles gave Rickel prominence and a slew of events around the United States in the 1960s and 1970s.
Media Appearances
Don Rickles, the comic icon, was the star celebrity, and as a result, he was invited to several shows and events.
Further, Rickles made numerous appearances on well-known TV talk shows such as Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Furthermore, the veteran actor-comedian appeared as a guest star in an episode of the American sitcom Grandfathered.
Many people may be surprised to learn that Don Rickles has appeared in a Super Bowl commercial.
To be more specific, the comic legend was cast as a talking rose in a commercial that aired during Super Bowl XLIV in 2010.
In addition, Rickles also had an endorsement deal with Snickers, a chocolate brand.
On top of that, he was featured in the commercial for Snickers in June 2011.
Book Publications
Apart from his career as an actor and comedian, Don Rickles also was indeed a famous author of his generation.
Besides, the veteran comic icon has written and published two books during his life.
In addition, both of the books were one of the most selling books all over the world.
First and foremost, Don Rickles with the help of David Ritz, published his debut book entitled Rickles’ Book: A Memoir on June 3, 2008.
The following year on November 15, he published yet another booklet called Rickles’ Letters.
Not to mention, both of his books were sentimental and sold over half a million copies over the world.
In conclusion, the legendary actor-comedian Don Rickles earned himself name and fame in the world of books.
Don Rickles: Career
Rickles spent almost 20 years working in Las Vegas bars and clubs.
Don made his cinematic debut in 1958 after many years of hardship, in the war movie Run Silent Run Deep.
Not to add that this film was a big success. As a result, Rickles chose to pursue a career in Hollywood.
Furthermore, the veteran actor was also cast in films such as X: The Man with the X-Ray Eyes in 1963, Bikini Beach in 1964, Enter Laughing in 1967, and Kelly’s Heroes in 1970.
Evidently, Don continued to spread his style of humor through comedy in addition to the film.
As a result, from 1973 until 1984, he was a constant performer on Dean Martin’s Celebrity Roasts.
In addition, he frequently paid respect to several of his pals, such as Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, and many more.
The 1980s & 1990s
Don Rickles began playing with Steve Lawrence at Las Vegas shows in the early 1980s.
In 1983, the pair co-hosted “Foul-Ups, Bleeps, and Blunders.”
Moreover, he was a regular guest on Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show and eventually slowing down after 1984.
Frank Sinatra insisted Rickles to performing improv comedy at Ronald Reagan’s second inaugural ball in 1985.
In 1990, he featured in an episode of “Tales from the Crypt” called “The Ventriloquist’s Dummy” during its second season.
Innocent Blood, directed by John Landis, cast him in 1992, while In 1993, he co-starred in the short-lived sitcom “Daddy Dearest” with Richard Lewis.
Don made a major resurgence in 1995, appearing opposite Tom Hanks and Tim Allen in the illustrated Pixar film Toy Story after taking a rest for a couple of decades.
In the same year, he played Billy Sherbert in Martin Scorcese’s “Casino,” a box office smash that earned positive reviews from reviewers.
Four years later, he lent his voice as the grumpy Mr. Potato Head in Toy Story2.
Nevertheless, he also played George Wilson in “Dennis the Menace Strikes Again” and in “Dirty Work“ in 1998.
Later years
On his fifty-first birthday in 2007, an autobiography of his life named “Rickles’ Book” was published.
In December 2007, HBO aired a documentary on Rickles entitled “Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project.”
Further, Rickles repeated his part as Mr. Potato Head in “Toy Story 3” in 2010 and was set to make his return in “Toy Story 4,” but died before the film could begin.
Even in his later years, the comic icon remained a regular attendee on numerous TV talk shows.
Rickles’ 88th birthday was commemorated in 2014 by a TV special titled “One Night Only: An All-Star Tribute to Don Rickles,” which included a variety of celebrities.
Among those paying homage were a number of well-known celebrities.
After his death on April 6, 2017, he was nicknamed the “Mount Rushmore of Stand-up Comedy.”
Major Awards and Achievements
In 2000, Don Rickles was named the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his lifetime achievements.
First and foremost, he won Prime Time Emmy Award for the category of individual Performance in a Variety Program in 2008.
In addition, he also earned the Legend Award from the TV Land Award in 2009.
Furthermore, the comedy legend acquired The Comedy Awards from The Johnny Carson Award in 2012 for his lifetime achievement.
To conclude, In 2013, Rickles gained the Lifetime Achievement from the New York Friars Club.
Some Interesting facts about Don Rickles
- Frank Gorshin was originally cast in the part of Petty Officer Ruby in Run Silent, Run Deep but chose to drive instead of flying to the audition.
- Unfortunately, he was engaged in a car accident, which resulted in a fractured skull and hospitalization. Nonetheless, when Gorshin was released from the hospital, he discovered that Don Rickles had taken up his job.
- It may surprise you to learn that comedic icon Don Rickles has a solo record to his credit. Rickles released his solo album, Hello Dummy!, in 1968.
- Don Rickles enlisted in the United States Navy shortly after graduating from Newtown High School in New York. The comedy legend served as a first-class sailor before being honorably discharged in 1946.
FAQs about Dan Rickles
Is Don Rickles, the iconic comedian, still alive?
The comedy icon Don Rickles demised on April 6, 2017, in Beverly Hills, California. Furthermore, kidney failure is said to have been the reason for his death.
Who was Don Rickles married to?
Late Dan Rickles was blissfully married to his long-time lover, Barbara Sklar Rickles, who sadly deceased in March 2021. Furthermore, the couple married in 1965 and were married for nearly five decades before Dan passed away in 2017.
How old was Don Rickles at the time of his death?
Don Rickles, the legendary comedian-actor, was born in 1926 and died in 2017, making him 90 years old at the time of his death.
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