Entertainment

Toy Story actor and comedian Don Rickles dies aged 90

The comedian voiced Mr Potato Head in the Toy Story films.
The comedian voiced Mr Potato Head in the Toy Story films. The comedian voiced Mr Potato Head in the Toy Story films.

Comedian and actor Don Rickles has died at the age of 90.

Rickles’ film work included every Toy Story film, in which he voiced the character Mr Potato Head, and he was signed up to return for the 2019 release Toy Story 4.

Paul Shefrin, his longtime publicist and friend, said that Rickles died on Thursday of kidney failure at his Los Angeles home, according to Associated Press.

Toy Story
Toy Story
Don Rickles voiced Mr Potato Head in Toy Story (Walt Disney Co)

For more than half a century, the star dubbed Mr Warmth, headlined casinos and nightclubs across the US and often appeared on late-night TV talk shows.

The New Yorker was known as an insult comic for the way in which he responded to hecklers during his stand-up shows.

Stars of the entertainment world paid tribute to him.

Tim Allen
Tim Allen
Tim Allen paid tribute to his late co-star (PA)

Tim Allen, who voices Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story films, said in a statement: “Don Rickles is one of the biggest reasons I am a comic today.

“I feel bad, mostly for everyone in Heaven who will now learn first hand from the sharpest wits ever, what it’s like to be Rickled.”

Hollywood star Jim Carrey said: “Don once begged me for a couple of bucks then told me to twist myself into a pretzel. Ego slayer! Comic Everest! Spank you, Mr Rickles.)”

Others tweeted about their sadness at the news.

Rickles’ most recent tweet marked his wedding anniversary in March.