Don Rickles 1926-2017

Legendary insult comic Don Rickles died today at the age of 90.

From the LA Times obit:

Well into his 80s, Rickles continued to headline in top showrooms and concert halls around the country with his patented brand of insult humor aimed at everyone in his audiences from unknown "hockey pucks" to big-name celebrities.

A Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter captured Rickles' act in 1998 at the Desert Inn when the "balding pit bull of a comedian" was 72.

To the strains of a bullfight trumpet fanfare as the curtain rose and a spotlight was trained on center stage, Rickles unexpectedly burst through a side door and immediately began pelting his audience with insults as he made his way to the stage.

"Sit up," he said to one audience member.

"Who picks out your clothes, Ray Charles?" he said to another.

"Look at the old broad," he said. "I'm workin' a home here!"

Image by Drew Friedman from his book, Old Jewish Comedians.