UPDATE 12:10 AM APRIL 7: Legendary comedian Don Rickles’ career spanned 50 years -- leaving a lasting impression on generations of comedians, including Mirage headliner Terry Fator.
“Don Rickles was such a huge influence on anyone who's in comedy from my generation down,” said Fator.
Fator saw Rickles perform at The Orleans just before his 90th birthday and he was still a pro.
Rickles was known for a unique brand of insult comedy.
“I think that the way he pulled off being an insult comedian was the fact that he was a really nice guy in real life,” Fator said. “Longevity is about having a heart that people can identify with and fall in love with.”
Rickles was such a huge part of the Las Vegas entertainment scene for so many years. It was only fitting that he was honored at the Fremont Street Experience with a special video tribute on the Viva Vision screen.
Rickles was featured on the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts at the original MGM, which is now Bally's.
“You know, he owned this city for a long time,” Fator said.
For even longer, people will remember the biting wit, the good natured jabs, and all of the laughter.
“He was a giant in the world of comedy," Fator said. “And it’s sad to watch that generation passing away now. It's something really sad to see them leave us."
ORIGINAL STORY
The legendary comedian Don Rickles, who was known for his insult humor, has died at the age of 90, according to multiple media sources.
He died in his Los Angeles home on Thursday morning.
Rickles was performing in a Miami Beach nightclub when he met Frank Sinatra.
Sinatra nicknamed him "Bullethead" and encouraged other celebrities to see his act. He also helped Rickles become a headliner in Las Vegas, performing in almost every major hotel and casino.
He also performed with Steve Lawrence in the early 1980s in Las Vegas and the duo co-hosted "Foul-Ups, Bleeps & Blunders," which was an imitation of TV's "Bloopers & Practical Jokes" in 1983.
Rickles was known for poking fun at people, regardless of the color of their skin or their profession. One of his nicknames was "Mr. Warmth."
Another big fan was Johnny Carson and Rickles became a frequent guest and guest host, appearing more than 100 times on "The Tonight Show."
He also had a substantial role in the 1995 movie "Casino" and voiced the character of Mr. Potato Head in the original "Toy Story" movie and the 2nd and 3rd sequels.
The Viva Vision canopy at the Fremont Street Experience will display a special tribute to Rickles once every hour after the regularly planned shows beginning with the 8 p.m. show and ending with the midnight show.
90 years with Don Rickles weren't enough. One of the sweetest and most lovely people I had the pleasure of knowing. We miss you already
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) April 6, 2017
In lieu of flowers, Don Rickles' family has requested that people drop their pants and fire a rocket. #RIPDonRickles
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) April 6, 2017
Very few people made me laugh the way Don Rickles did. RIP, you glorious monster.
— Bill Corbett (@BillCorbett) April 6, 2017
RIP Don Rickles. Most people can't be funny for 10 minutes. He did it for over 60 years
— Mike Lawrence (@TheMikeLawrence) April 6, 2017
God Bless Don Rickles, aka, Mr. Warmth! Proud to have been heckled by him from the stage many times! #RIP
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) April 6, 2017
Don Rickles, such sharp hilarious wit in an era when an insult comic didn't need to be vulgar to be funny. You will be missed -B #donrickles pic.twitter.com/448JH7bGSP
— Barbara Eden (@Barbara_Eden) April 6, 2017
Hockey puck. We've lost @DonRickles I love him so. Smart, funny, a pro and most important deeply and honestly kind. Kind is what matters.
— Penn Jillette (@pennjillette) April 6, 2017
Thank you, Mr Rickles. No one like you. Never will be. True LEGEND. #RIP
— Brad Garrett (@RealBradGarrett) April 6, 2017
