Don Rickles, the legendary comedian known for his sharp wit and merciless roasts, had a surprising list of people he genuinely disliked in the entertainment industry. In his later years, Rickles opened up about the figures he couldn’t stand, revealing a side of him that went beyond his comedic persona.
Known as “Mr. Warmth,” Rickles made a career out of playful insults, but behind the laughter lay a deeper disdain for certain celebrities. Among those on his blacklist were some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Ronald Reagan, Clint Eastwood, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bob Hope, Johnny Carson, and Jerry Lewis.
Each of these figures represented something Rickles found distasteful, from superficiality to what he perceived as a lack of genuine talent.
Rickles often targeted Reagan, the former actor turned president, in his routines. He once quipped about Reagan’s acting skills, saying, “Ronnie, you were such a bad actor that Hollywood had to push you into politics.” Their relationship was filled with tension, as Rickles viewed Reagan as a master of pretense, while Reagan reportedly found Rickles’ jabs hard to ignore.
Clint Eastwood was another favorite target. Rickles mocked Eastwood’s stoic demeanor, joking that he only had two expressions: a scowl and a deeper scowl. This relentless ribbing highlighted Rickles’ belief that Eastwood’s fame was undeserved, a sentiment he expressed repeatedly on stage.
Then there was Frank Sinatra, a close friend who Rickles often ridiculed. While Sinatra introduced Rickles to the high life of Las Vegas, Rickles didn’t shy away from calling him out, famously stating, “Frank, without the mafia, you’d just be a second-rate lounge singer.” This blend of admiration and disdain characterized their complicated friendship.
Rickles also took aim at Dean Martin, whom he regarded as a lazy performer. He would joke about Martin’s drinking habits and lack of effort, saying, “You’re famous for drinking more than singing.” This disdain for perceived laziness in the industry was a recurring theme in Rickles’ comedy.
Bob Hope, another giant in the comedy world, was described by Rickles as “the ultimate 𝒻𝒶𝓀𝑒.” He criticized Hope for his safe, sanitized humor, claiming that his comedy lacked the sharpness and honesty that Rickles valued. “Bob, you never offend anyone.
But then again, you never make anyone laugh out loud, either,” he once remarked.
Johnny Carson, the king of late-night television, also found himself on Rickles’ list. Despite their professional camaraderie, Rickles couldn’t resist poking fun at Carson’s scripted style, calling him “the dullest host in the history of American comedy.” This critique stemmed from Rickles’ belief that true comedy should challenge audiences, not merely entertain them.
Lastly, Jerry Lewis, celebrated for his slapstick humor, was seen by Rickles as an absurdity. He dismissed Lewis’ antics as pandering, quipping that adults found them tiresome. “If France thinks Jerry Lewis is a genius, they probably think snails are pizza,” he said, highlighting his disdain for the misplaced adoration Lewis received.
So why did Rickles keep this blacklist hidden for so long? The answer lies in his understanding of the entertainment industry. He knew that publicly expressing hatred could jeopardize his career.
For years, he transformed his contempt into comedic material, allowing him to maintain a façade of humor while navigating the complex relationships in showbiz.
In his twilight years, Rickles finally felt free to voice these long-held feelings. This list wasn’t just about who he disliked; it was a critique of an industry he saw as rife with insincerity and superficiality. It was a raw confession that revealed the bitterness he carried throughout his life.
Rickles’ legacy transcends mere jokes. He redefined comedy by proving that laughter could emerge from uncomfortable truths. His ability to blend humor with honesty left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
As we remember Don Rickles, we’re reminded of the complexity behind the laughter and the truths that often lie beneath the surface. What other hidden truths might still linger in the shadows of Hollywood?
