On this day in 1926 comedian/actor Don Rickles was born in Queens, New York.One of the 20th Century's most famous funny men, Rickles has appeared live in top show rooms in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Reno Lake Tahoe. A good natured insult comic, he was a personal favorite of the late Frank Sinatra.
Rickles' 50-plus year career has also included television and feature films in both comedic and dramatic roles. His TV credits include guest spots on Get Smart, The Dean Martin Show, The Tonight Show (countless times), and his own sitcom C.P.O. Sharkey. His film credits include Run Silent Run Deep, Kelly's Heroes, Casino, and Dennis the Menace Strikes Again.
Disney fans of course know Rickles as the voice of Mr Potato Head in Pixar's Toy Story and Toy Story 2 (he is slated for voice work in a 3rd Toy Story feature as well). He also voices an interactive Audio-Animatronic version of Mr Potato Head in the queue for the Toy Story Midway Mania attraction.
Rickles is also the voice of William, one of two Audio-Animatronic toucans, in The Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management) attraction (in both Disneyland and Disney World). William and his sidekick Morris (voiced by the late Phil Hartman) entertain waiting guests by discussing their positions as agents of the new Tiki Room.
"I've been hot, I've been lukewarm, I've been freezing, but I've always been a headliner. The young comedians always ask me, what's the secret for staying around. I tell them, there is no secret - just stay around. Longevity is the most important thing." -Don Rickles
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