VIDEO: Don Rickles Dines With Billy Crystal on Late Insult-Comic’s AARP Series
Other “Dinner with Don” guests include Sarah Silverman, Judd Apatow, Amy Poehler, Paul Rudd, and Snoop Dogg
September 25, 2017
Don Rickles died in April but his oeuvre continued to expand this week with the debut of “Dinner with Don,” an AARP-produced web series packaged together from hour-long dinner conversations between the legendary insult comedian and a rotating cast of A-list celebrities.
Variety released the series’ first episode Monday, featuring Don dining with Billy Crystal in early January at Los Angeles’ Vincenti Ristorante. The two discuss a variety of subjects over dinner, from the time Billy won $1,000 in a Rickles-related bet with Robin Williams to Don’s famed friendships with Rat Pack members Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr.
Don made a surprise Stern Show visit in 2007 along with John Stamos. His “Dinner with Don” series is set to feature a variety of other Stern Show veterans, including Sarah Silverman, Judd Apatow, Amy Poehler, Paul Rudd, and Snoop Dogg.
Click here to check out the “Dinner with Don” episodes on AARP’s YouTube channel.
When Don passed away at the age of 90, Howard shared several fond memories of the entertainer. “Don Rickles was so important to me growing up,” he told Robin. “[His appearances were] appointment television, at least for me and I think for a lot of America.”
“What a fucking force he was,” Howard continued. “I can say, without reservation, the best talk show guest I’ve ever seen and talk shows were the most important thing to me growing up. They were my refuge.”
Howard also shared a story of running into Don at one of Jimmy Kimmel’s parties. Listen (below).
“Dinner with Don” can be streamed on AARP’s YouTube and Facebook pages starting Monday. Watch the Billy Crystal episode (above).
