Don Rickles Dead At 90; Who Was The Legendary Insult Comic’s Wife?

The world said goodbye to yet another legend on Thursday. Don Rickles, world renowned insult comic and actor, died of kidney failure at his home in Los Angeles.

Rickles, 90, leaves behind his wife, Barbara Rickles. The pair married and had two children together — Mindy Rickles and their only son, Larry Rickles. The “Kelly’s Heroes” actors’ son’s death preceded his by nearly six years, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Barbara lived much of her life out of the spotlight. In August 2016, he told Milwaukee Magazine they met through his agent. Don said he was initially attracted to her because she “was very different than most of the girls I knew.”

He married the Philadelphia native in 1965. During their time together they were often seen with Bob Newhart and his wife, Virginia. Although Don, infamous for his brash comedy style, sarcastically her called Mr. Warmth, he was a romantic at heart.

According to Page Six, producer Brian Grazer got some touching advice from the esteemed comic at his wedding. Giving a toast, Don told him to “cherish” wife Veronica Smiley. He reminded him that their life together wouldn’t be easy, but said that true love is worth the trouble.

“Cherish your beautiful bride, and remember life is not easy, and love is not easy, but you get up every morning and if you are able to hug, you are able to kiss and you are able to talk [you will be good],” he reportedly said.

Don’s career spanned through many decades. He got his start in 1955, appearing on the TV show “Stage 7.” He starred in various other TV shows, movies and comedy specials, including “The Munsters,” “The Andy Griffith Show,” and his very own series, “The Don Rickles Show.” Rickles voiced Mr. Potato Head in the “Toy Story” movies and was set to have his voice featured in “Toy Story 4” in 2019.