DON RICKLES (Mr. Potato Head‚Ñ¢) is in his element as the wisecracking spud who secretly longs for a Mrs. Potato Head. The popular comedian confesses, "I wanted to do the Tom Hanks part but it involved money and they said, 'we can't pay you that kind of money.' Seriously, I was very glad that they asked me to do this part because young people will hear my voice and say, 'That's Don Rickles,' and hopefully they'll get a big kick out of me doing this." When told that director John Lasseter and the animators were inspired by his voice, Rickles comments, "John is a lonely, lonely guy. He sits around with Potato Head in his house and plays with it and finds it entertaining. I'm glad to hear that my voice inspired them."
For more than 35 years, funnyman Rickles has appeared in the top showrooms in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. He did not reach the top overnight, rather, like a train gathering steam, he gradually picked up speed and more material for his comedy acts. But his appearance on Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show" in 1965 stands out as the moment of his breakthrough. Immediately following his performance on the "Tonight Show," Rickles became the talk of the town. A fine actor who graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, Rickles frequently received rave reviews for his acting ability. Armed with the public's seal of approval as a comedian, it was only natural that he should move forward into theater and television.
He scored a major success when he appeared on "The Dean Martin Show." In 1968 "The Don Rickles Show" was part of ABC-TV's prime-time schedule. A highlight of his career came when he was invited by President Reagan to perform at the televised Inaugural Gala where he "zinged" the nation's dignitaries gathered for the occasion.
Still highly visible in television and motion pictures, Rickles has one of his best dramatic roles in the upcoming Universal Pictures "Casino," directed by Martin Scorsese.
One of his proudest moments was the dedication of the Barbara and Don Rickles Gymnasium at Sinai Temple in West Los Angeles. He enjoys a good game of golf, and an occasional set of tennis. He has also been voted among the nation's best-dressed men by the Custom Tailors Guild of America, and the Tailors Council of America.
He and his wife Barbara have two children, Mindy Beth and Lawrence Corey.
