Don Rickles Dies At 90: Jimmy Kimmel, Chris Rock & More Honor The Legendary Comic

The
world is a little less funny without Don Rickles in it.

Following
his death on Thursday at age 90, Hollywood’s most prominent comedians took to
social media to pay tribute to their legendary predecessor and thank him for
paving the way.

Jimmy
Kimmel tweeted a photo of himself posing with Rickles before sharing kind words
about the man known as “Mr. Warmth.”

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“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,” the late night host wrote.

Kathy Griffin also shared a touching pic of her and Rickles on Twitter, and recalled their special bond.

READ: Don Rickles, Comedy Legend, Passes Away At Age 90

“The friendship The advice. The laughs. The toasts. The dinners. I Love you, Don,” she wrote.

Bob Newhart and his wife, Ginnie, released a statement admitting they were “totally unprepared” for Rickles’ passing, while remembering the funnyman as a more gentle soul than his acerbic persona may have let on.

“He was called ‘The Merchant of Venom,’ but in truth, he was one of the kindest, caring and most sensitive human beings we have ever known,” the couple’s statement read. “We are devastated and our world will never be the same.”

Other veteran comics shared their condolences too, including Billy Crystal, who called Rickles’ death “a great loss” on Twitter.

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Carol Burnett shared her sadness in a statement, hinting that her fellow trailblazer will continue to leave a mark.

“I’m saddened to hear about the passing of my friend, Don Rickles,” she said in a statement. “Knowing him as I do, he will NOT Rest In Peace.”

Tim Allen honored Rickles as an inspiration, while also using a bit of humor to touch upon the lasting power of his legacy.

“Don Rickles is one of the biggest reasons I am a comic today,” he said in a statement. “I feel bad, mostly for everyone in Heaven who will now learn firsthand from the sharpest wits ever, what it’s like to be Rickled.”

“Seinfeld” alum Jason Alexander referred to Rickles as “simply the best,” marveling on Twitter how, despite having “created insult comedy,” no one on the receiving end of his jokes ever seemed to mind. 

“Every one of his targets felt loved and honored,” he wrote.

Chris Rock paid homage to Rickles with a touching remembrance, and referenced the void he has already left in the comedy community.

“He was the love of my life,” he tweeted, captioning a photo of the pair side-by-side in bed for a skit. “Don Rickles is funnier right now in death than most comics are in life.”

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Roseanne Barr took to Twitter to herald Rickles as “an original genius,” and Lewis Black declared him “a cyclone of funny with a heart of gold.”

Jim Carrey included a funny anecdote with his tribute.

“Don once begged me for a couple of bucks then told me to twist myself into a pretzel,” he tweeted. “Ego slayer! Comic Everest! Spank you, Mr. Rickles.”

Rickles passed away from kidney failure at his Los Angeles home, his rep confirmed to Access Hollywood on Thursday. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Barbara, their daughter, Mindy Mann, and two grandchildren. 

— Erin Biglow

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