Don Rickles Lays Into Johnny as a Rhinestone Cowboy | Carson Tonight Show

Original Airdate: 03/04/1976
#johnnycarson #donrickles #thetonightshow

[@sclogse1]

"You oughta know, you worked the lights." Is the best ad lib I ever heard.

[@gregw3925]

Yesm Always

[@joeyboedeker2047]

Stealing that!!)))

[@macmedic892]

You had me at “Don Rickles…”

[@nunyabizness9216]

Hell yes!

[@tadkingsbury9364]

The greatest one liner in show business.....everyones bored with the lineup and their0 silly crap ....Rickles shows up and craps on all of them .....hysterical ....

[@kennethrussell1158]

That man was crazy. But he was a comedy genius

[@kennethrussell1158]

I don't think that Robert Blake cared for him too much.

[@ExKUKicker]

Did he have you at "Hello"...and did he complete you?😂

[@irenemuus9716]

Don Rickles was THE MOST hilarious comedian ever.

[@Logan-jj7vx]

Mr. Don Rickles was simply insanely hilarious! You never knew what he was gonna do next... a true master of his craft. The world misses you very much.

[@joannagipson12]

💯💯💯💯💯💯❤❤❤❤

[@adamr8628]

Proof you don't have to be funny...just confident. He could say anything, but expecting a laugh, and people went along with it and laughed. Delivery is everything

[@johnsjohnson448]

Mr. Rickles was one-of-a-kink. He was caustic, politically incorrect, brutally funny, and a very kind man.

[@startreksam]

He was the true comedian

[@michaelhungate7506]

Oh yeah and he was actually a very good and NICE guy. His last project he done was "Dinner with Don", he was not well, but still was funny and mentally sharp. The last ones were made months before he died at 89 from kidney failure.

[@FredLord-sp4ym]

Mr. Rickles was one of a kind. Hilarious! He ALWAYS delivered the laughs. He was a kind and gentle man. Thanks for sharing.

[@carygroneveldt7065]

*DON RICKLES: Unstoppable, unmatchable ....* 😀👍❤

[@mastersabaliauskas5434]

Don Rickles is the funniest man EVER!!!

[@alexanderharris8310]

Don Rickles has got to be one of the funniest guys that walked the earth

[@texasgina]

I was 11 in 1976. My dads favorite show. I could hear him laughing so loud at night Lol. Johnny was the late night Goat

[@Bone89]

Thx 4 bringing back that memory. Now I’m laughing and crying at the same time

[@hawaiisidecar]

Me too.

[@alan30189]

GOAT

[@thebluedragon1532]

I was about 15. My mom always allowed me to stay up and watch the first 20 minutes or so. I still love this!!

[@texasgina]

@@thebluedragon1532 Yeah I could hear my dad laughing so loud and I would be in bed trying to sleep because I had to get up for school LMAO

[@exceptionalamerican7458]

Rickle's antics truly never get old 😂

[@westfield90]

God bless you Don for the laughter you brought the world.

[@Cris_Borgnine]

What a genius talent on so many levels!!! off screen he was a beautiful person.

[@cj4505]

He is missed.

[@johnsjohnson448]

Robert Blake was terrfic too. Don Rickles laid him out and it was hysterical!

[@danfab4]

❤

[@michaelgibsontv]

Don Rickles is so damn funny. I laughed so hard my ribs hurt!!! Robert Blake was having fun listening to Rickles. I wish all of those guys were still around doing their thing. The world is not a better place without them.

[@GroceryStoreStories101]

I'm 26 and I absolutely love watching Reruns of Johnny Carson, and of course with Don Rickles and Rodney Dangerfield and Jack Benny. So many great and funny comedians. This type of late night would not be tolerated in today's world sadly. But this is pure Gold and I always laugh when watching Mr. Carson.

[@thomascovenant665]

Im 53 and remember watching Johnny carson as a kid in the 70's and loving when either Rickles or my favorite Phylis DIller would be on.. I think the crass stuff just went over my head..

[@ut000bs]

People have gotten too soft. That means bad times are coming to harden us up again. That is how it _always_ works.

[@veleicemajohnson4840]

uh how do u know ??

[@rogueldr642smiythe9]

To you they are not reruns they are GOLD FIRST RUNS!!!!

[@stevemazz3121]

Imagine a late night show today with everyone smoking, drinking, making fun of every nationality and each other.... People would totally freak. Today we see boring black folks on every public channel.

[@karlheinzegger9790]

I only know Johnny Carson and Don Rickles from KZbin. When I grew up in Austria we were so happy to watch our two channels in colour. No one knew about cable for many years. I am very grateful to all those who share these clips. Great TV back then.

[@jefferyvnelson7144]

Blake is going through like six different emotions sitting there....

[@christinamitchell6796]

I know right. He's so odd...lol 😂😂

[@SteveMikre44]

The best Tonight Show guest ever...

[@mariajobson739]

Rickles is terrific in the old Dean Martin Roasts...boy they would t go for some of his shtik in today's world. Too bad it's hilarious !

[@brotherchristopher2149]

Watching these videos I go back to my childhood in the 70s Im instantly at peace. Today is so stressful it's nice to take a break

[@dmaher8774]

So, so true.

[@Daniel_B_23]

I’m 34 and love Rickles! He was the best!

[@gregw3925]

Yes, I Agree !!!!

[@Daniel_B_23]

@@gregw3925 💯

[@rickgarcia3145]

I’m disappointed as a 29 year old that I found don rickles 3 years ago. Truly a great

[@robertdiotalevi285]

You have a lot of catching up to do, young man! Enjoy!

[@ginaluciano9933]

He was great on Get Smart with Don Adams

[@robertdiotalevi285]

@@ginaluciano9933 And as CPO Sharkey, and as a salesman on The Andy Griffith Show, and on Gilligan's Island, just to name a few....

[@tonicordova1122]

You must read Rickle's Book: A Memoir.

[@clydetheglyde2233]

🤣🤣🤣 When Rickles grabbed the mic, I lost it! Him and Carson had the best chemistry. True Legends!

[@johnsjohnson448]

They played well off each other.

[@joannagipson12]

I laughed so hard I cried.....😅😅😅 Don Rickles was one of the funniest men out there. Nothing was off limits. Miss those days....❤

[@thebluedragon1532]

But in today's world with the cry baby pansies this kind of humor would never go over.

[@joannagipson12]

@@thebluedragon1532 💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@Jay-ru3mu]

NPC a.i

[@threeballedtomcat9380]

Don Rickles fired off one liners so fast I had to rewind damn near every thing he said ! Even Johnny had a hard time keeping up with Don.... This was so cool. Thanks for the great upload, it was great to see them again.

[@kennethrussell1158]

I don't think that Robert Blake cared for Rickles that much.

[@threeballedtomcat9380]

@@kennethrussell1158 Rickles entire sctick was to needle and irritate people but I agree, Blake didn't seem to like Rickles very much at all...

[@agentmuldermd]

Rapid fire genius!

[@AmericanFUBAR33]

Rickles refuse to shake Johnny's hand every time gets me.😆🤣🤣

[@veleicemajohnson4840]

he was genius !!

[@brettrobertson2538]

Rickles was by far the best guest on Johnny ever

[@neilpower1731]

Jonathan Winters was brilliant on it too.

[@jeffreysmith3061]

Johnny Carson. Pure class.

[@wildbill5670]

And look what the younger generation has now.

[@BBAKER22]

Pure class? LMAO.. I DON'T think his son, ex wife or NUMEROUS employees he worked with would say that

[@NevadaBoss]

The Don was one of a kind...a force of nature...& 1 of the great moments of my life was when he yelled at me in the front row in Vegas & called me a 'Nazi bastard'. Like Carson, he was a giant...& we won't see their likes ever again. 'And that's the name of that tune...'

[@justjoe942]

After all these years I finally understand the parts only my parents laughed at. Comedy gold never dies.

[@starbellak5154]

Don Rickles ....killing it every time. 😊 And then some...☺ ☺ ☺

[@evanflay2581]

Don wasn't the only person on that stage who killed 😱

[@kasumiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin]

There sure was a lot of touching in this episode! And when Johnny finally mentioned "gay bars," it all made sense. ;)

[@billglaser]

15:00 never ever realized there was a mirror under Johnnys desk until Don got down on the floor and I saw the reflection. Neat optical trick.

[@feggyduss6463]

Each time that I watch this, I laugh harder than the time before. Robert Blake was terrific. Don Rickles always delivered. LOL.Thank-You for sharing.

[@j.w.3345]

I remember watching this with my dad when I was a jr in high school. I looked over, and he had a big smile on his face. He asked me if I knew who that guy was. I said "sure, that's Don Rickles". He told me that they were friends in NYC when he was in his twenties, and used to get into some mischief together. I asked "like what?" He just started laughing and wouldn't tell me.

[@sleepyginger]

Well I’m sure whatever the mischief was Don would have got them out of anything 😅😅😅

[@Modernaire]

Don Rickles has me cracking up about things I don’t even know what he’s talking about!!!

[@chrissytina6379]

Lol 🤣🤣 that's hilarious

[@kennethneece4838]

Modern Aire- I’m guessing that you weren’t around in that era( I assume) and all that stuff that Don Rickles was talking about actually happened and( of course) Don Rickles was making fun of which is absolutely hilariously funny!

[@NoOne-kr4jc]

Lol he had an annunciation, tonality, and rhythm. He had certain words that he threw in because they just sounded funny when he brought them in. What he was doing at times was meaningless "...underneath he's wearing jeans and a dead cowboy suit!" There's something about saying dead that makes it great. Its an adjective for him that makes anything sound horrible in terms of roasting lol.

[@kellig.6819]

I love these old Johnny shows. please consider showing whole episodes? 💓🌹💖💓🌹💓💖🌷🌹😊

[@NoOne-kr4jc]

aw thats cute.

[@PApro]

The funniest natural comedians ever to live talking with the greatest late night host in history is always a good time.

[@robertkelly6282]

Him and Rodney

[@threeballedtomcat9380]

And that, my friend, is a fact !

[@patjebond]

Finally another Rickles clip! Keep them coming please

[@amileoj9043]

What amazes me in these clips is how fast & continuously Rickles could improvise. The only close comparison I can think of is Robin Williams, who was of course also a frequent guest on Carson, albeit from a later showbiz generation.

[@tomlichnofsky.7048]

Legends!! 👍👌😊🍁♈ RIP Don 😔 RIP Johnny Carson 😔

[@jvanslooten]

I always loved watching Carson. It feels like we are being let in on an informal conversation between friends and not a television show.

[@janorhypercleats]

That's a good point!

[@yankee2666]

And today there's Kimmel, and those other two jackasses whose names I thankfully can't remember.

[@jvanslooten]

@@yankee2666 It's bad enough to give mental space to remembering Kimmel.

[@dalekmoon]

When a TV show actually caught your attention and you never changed the channel! Those were the days my friend! ♥

[@RickSeraf]

I remember watching a biography show about Johnny Carson, and one of his staff said that they put together a "run sheet" for Carson for each episode. It would be about 3-4 pages long and it would list some background information and topics about the guests on the show. The staff member said that, when Don Rickles was a guest, all they had to do was write was one word: "Rickles".

[@NoOne-kr4jc]

Lol that's probably cuz he would instantly remember the ones they loved to show. Don was something else. Probably one of the best things he ever did for the show was introduce Don for the first time. I'm sure when he was on, the viewership was _packed._

[@christinamitchell6796]

Wow that's awesome I can see that because he knows rickles will adlib and be spontaneous which Johnny loves.

[@kevinobrien2735]

Probably the funniest person thats ever lived.

[@stevenfrost6441]

OMG Don was on fire! 🔥I was laughing so hard all the way through I had to stop and rewind it like three times! 🤣Folks don't realize this is from the Golden Age of Television when Late Night T.V. was actually funny and about having a good time and making people forget their worries for a couple of hours! Now all the legends are long gone and we will never see their like again, but thank God we have these clips to re-live the good ole' days! ❤👍

[@CruisingtheAfterLife]

Forty years from now, what will the kids of today be saying? :)

[@user-ko7bb5kh4i]

It made me forget my worries.

[@zari5291]

“Let’s take a trip to the steam room” 😂😂😂😂

[@SueProv]

Man, he's always good but this was absolutely on fire.

[@bellinghammond]

the best appearances were when Rickles was all wound up like this...His 'putdowns' would become "stream-of-consciousness" non-sequiturs and yet still be so hilarious

[@b3astlyify]

My god, when he started scrubbing the floor and said my son will get out of prison, it was like I was convulsing laughing so hard

[@LinkRocks]

You know Don was licking his chops knowing Johnny would be dressed like that. lol

[@depaola63]

I was 13 in 1976 ❤️ Classic era to have been young 💫

[@user-bw4zs1jx3i]

When Don said he will put stars on Bob Hope's face & run him up a flag pole 😂😂😂

[@lifetimes2983]

In several decades of watching Rickels before his passing I can't recall one performance where he ever uttered a curse word or crude language of any kind. He didn't need it. His mind and his wit was just to quick. Miss this guy.

[@ghanasoul]

“2 and half mins you’re usually finished!” Good line by Johnny.

[@kalena7126]

Okay, I've only watched up until Johnny introduces Don. I have to say, Johnny was asking for a roasting here. With that intro plus wearing that getup, he was begging for it! Okay, now I'll watch the mayhem ensue haha.

[@JBM425]

The outfit was part of a thing that had been building for weeks. Carson was in the habit of using a falsetto voice and sang “Like a Rhinestone Cowboy” when one of his jokes bombed. Somehow they came up with the idea to have him sing the entire song in that voice. In this episode, rather than his usual opening monologue, Carson sang “Rhinestone Cowboy” with Doc and the orchestra backing him up.

[@kalena7126]

@@JBM425 You know, that actually rings a bell. I think I watched this episode as a kid, haha. Thanks for the info!

[@odysseusrex5908]

That's remarkable. Johnny Carson going toe to toe with Don Rickles, and poor Robert Blake just sitting there dying. I wish I could see the rest of that show, Bob Hope and Desi Arnez. They would have been darned interesting too. Johnny was the GOAT, but he was helped by having far more interesting guests than they get nowadays. Guests who actually had something to talk about besides plugging their latest movie or TV show. I do remember however, not too long after Jimmy Fallon took over the show, he had Rickles on. Fallon, I think, is rather silly most of the time, but it was interesting to see the deep respect with which he treated Rickles. He was almost in awe of the man. Rickles was just as good as he was here. That was only a few weeks before he died but if he was in poor health, I couldn't tell.

[@ingridsitems]

There are some clips out there with the Bob Hope part, and the Desi Arnaz part. I also saw the whole episode posted, but not sure if it's been taken down

[@tompaul2650]

Fallon sucks

[@kennethrussell1158]

I don't think that Robert Blake cared for him that much.

[@alvilla9659]

The whole show is on you tube just look it up

[@larrysmith6797]

@@kennethrussell1158 You're wrong.

[@westy40]

Carson and Rickles were so fantastic together! Miss them both. Robert Blake was always a live wire but he used to be a very popular and frequent guest on Carson during the 70's.

[@frasermackenzie7275]

Yeah until he was found guilty of murder 🙄 For a bit there I was thinking Robert was going to pop Don 🤔 Love to see the aftermath if Robert had popped Don in the face... Mr. Blake would be seeing Mr. Sinatra and "associates" very quickly 😛😉😊

[@willieloomis5958]

He was found not guilty.

[@frasermackenzie7275]

@@willieloomis5958 ok but his career was destroyed...

[@willieloomis5958]

@@frasermackenzie7275 And? I was just stating that he was found not guilty.

[@WasThisAtlantis]

was scanning for who could name RB from Barreta. You were the first I found.

[@balchana3365]

It’s amazing that every single person I’ve seen on these shows has such charisma and personality. The total opposite to today.

[@cautionTosser]

9:38 beautiful Johnny Ray throw.

[@craigtalbott731]

My film/TV actress Auntie Gloria had the good fortune to work w/ both Carson and Rickles back in the mid-'50s, the former in his early career as the star of his own show on CBS, and the latter in what was his very first onscreen appearance ever. A blessed relative indeed.

[@PatrickMcGee-cm5yc]

lol😂😂😂. Robert Blake tried his absolute hardest not to laugh or give in and he failed miserably. Lol. That’s how good MR Warmth was. He is one of the funniest comedians to ever walk this planet! I am so glad I get to see these videos practically every day. It never gets old😂😊🙏🙏

[@isrberlinerin4063]

I agree !

[@supersteveworld]

I love watching Don Rickles 😎👍

[@joecohen8719]

I was in high school when i would watch these shows. Brings back some great memories. Me and my dad would watch them together. Sometimes I would stay up a bit later and watch Letterman. Another great show. Television has certainly changed. A wonderful era that won’t be seem again. Thanks for the memories ❤

[@billyrossi4661]

4 legends. Rip 🙏 johnny ed and don.

[@starguy2718]

Love these Don Rickles clips!

[@BMWMTEAM1]

Johnny and Don both are pure displays of friendship Something missing today

[@ManInTheBigHat]

Those were the days. Loved it! I'm fuckin' crying here!

[@mattmelcher4435]

Best standup comic there ever was

[@kellig.6819]

That was wonderful! Thank you so much.

[@DavidLona-pg9zt]

DON RICKLES IS KING

[@MrRobster1234]

I'll never forget Rickles shaking hands with Carson and quipping "Fish for dinner tonight Johnny ?"

[@kystars]

Don Rickles really was such a funny man. He was also very caring and loved people. He always fake insulted people, even Jewish people of course which he is Jewish. He made fun of everyone, but that was just it, in FUN. Today I'm not sure if it would work with everyone seemingly so touchy anymore. . I miss him so much

[@TheEman590]

It could, but make it clear the laughs are with them, not at them. If you can't laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at? Certain people are way too uptight or have too high an opinion of themselves and need to be knocked down a peg.

[@FiloMJ]

I have tears in my eyes laughing at this, and I'm from Italy

[@sclogse1]

Tell Rick Scott to get his ass back here and tell us what he did with 130 million.

[@mikewilliams7985]

The fact that he gets Robert Blake to crack up several times tells you how gd funny Rickles was.

[@garyaugustus690]

You can tell Blake carried serious internal issues stemming from his being a childhood star...he doesn't seem to know that Rickles is all comedic bluster, but with a heart of gold. He seems to be struggling and uncomfortable here with Rickles....

[@Databyter]

That was kinda funny. Not just the jokes, but Robert Blake was completely disarmed in front of Rickles. He didn't know what to do or say for a while. And you could tell that he was trying to relax and show appreciation of the jokes so he sort of reached out and grabbed Rickles Shoulder. Rickles grabbed a hold of that and started running with it, mercilessly lampooning Blakes behavior who you could tell was feeling a little akward but wanted to be seen as relaxed and cool. But Rickles just has an instinct for improvising jokes at everybody elses expense and he was just relentless to the point that Blake was laughing at Rickles sort of lightheartedly making fun of his gestures. Wow you have to have a tough skin to be involved in that conversation between Rickles and Carson. They go at each other like two Tomcats, and anybody that gets in the way is gonna catch a claw. But it was fun to watch, and it was great to see Blake. I remembered the face, but I couldn't remember the name until I heard it, and then when they started talking about the Cocatoo I was sure of who it was. Barretta was one of my favorite shows, tho I didn't get to see as many of them as I wanted. Back in those days if you missed it you missed it. There was no on demand. Databyter

[@kennethrussell1158]

I don't think that Robert Blake cared for him to much.

[@Databyter]

@@kennethrussell1158 Regardless of whether he did nor not, he was trying to show he was one of the "gang" and Rickles was having fun blocking his attempts.

[@jjryan1352]

You can see Blake's body language. He didn't want to get roasted. First hiding behind his hand, then putting his foot up hoping that would keep him out of the camera shot. It just got worse 🤣

[@BB-rt9nc]

Blake killed a woman

[@your_average_joe5781]

@@BB-rt9nc that's the way most of us see it ✅

[@CK-eo9uh]

Don's The biggest ball buster who ever lived, and no one was exempt.

[@wolfman3295]

I am very surprised to see Johnny dressed that way and the way Don made everyone including Robert laugh was just so typical and I also loved how Johnny and Don stuck it to each other like they always did.

[@RayNDeere]

Johnny started the show by singing "Rhinestone Cowboy" - I think it was settle a bet about the song reaching #1

[@wolfman3295]

@@RayNDeere I think Johnny made a slight reference to that and I loved Don's reaction too. I didn't know Johnny was a singer too. I never hear him sing before. But as you said maybe he did the whole thing to settle a bet.

[@Chuck_Hooks]

Robert Blake was a very frequent and popular guest with Johnny. Always enjoyed his appearances. Loved Baretta and Fred the Cockatoo

[@james1795]

Then he murdered his wife.

[@Chuck_Hooks]

@@james1795 So did OJ. Your point?

[@james1795]

@@Chuck_Hooks. Yep...That's my point.

[@Chuck_Hooks]

@@james1795Since you are into irrelevant points, why don't you expand on what Johnny allegedly did to at least one of his four wives?

[@james1795]

@@Chuck_Hooks. Such a lame question.

[@NoellaScott]

Everything that happened after Johnny's 2.5 minutes line was absolutely incredible. I wasn't even alive for any of this and I love it. Two masters way ahead of the time who have made me fall over laughing for years.

[@georgecorrea192]

Don Rickles was a comedic genius. Hilarious 😂. Rip legend.

[@gregw3925]

Love it all, Miss you guys so much !! I was a Freshman in High School. Cowboy / Piano Man Greg W.

[@feggyduss6463]

This was a hysterically funny segment. Real Stars with the King. Thanks for sharing.

[@sergioaguilar8178]

Oh Rickles..wish he could have loved forever.

[@ICONICMUSIC]

He's hitting Johnny so hard 🤣 Quality!!!

[@peterddb1593]

I was hoping there were more Don Rickles clips! Now my day is better.

[@sal4856]

Don Rickles greatest ad libber in the history of show biz RIP

[@Jan-qc8bx]

whenever I'm feeling down I listen to don rickles gets me laughing every time. we miss him💖

[@runeplate123]

Was watching this high and kept dying from laughing

[@zyxmyk]

man, 1976 was a long time ago. holy crap.

[@arthurloux6438]

I really appreciate the simple logic/smarts of great comedians is amazing.

[@KyleChau]

I love Don Rickles, wish he still alive to make us laugh again

[@alonenjersey]

What's not to love?

[@DvDPlaya]

What a force to be reckoned with. And sharper than ever all the way till he departed.

[@jeromesullivan4015]

I remember the show, I remember that I really wasn’t a Rickles fan.. but, I loved JC

[@randelldarky3920]

Don is a legend unequaled.

[@bellinghammond]

Don Rickles was the funniest man in American History....there, I said it. The wife and I use Rickles/Carson reruns as a night-light....then rewind the funny bits and laugh twice at the same lines: "I feel like George C. SCOTT with a Dolphin!!"

[@jessehagen8977]

I swear I miss those wonderful days when entertainers from all genres of the arts seemed to genuinely love their craft and perfected it to the point where it would just roll off of them with an ease that made it seem effortless with dignity and charisma that unfolded is lost back in time. Most entertainers nowadays are mostly in for the status symbol and the power that can win it. Anyway I really miss you great time in life and history that it was, because it's true what they say. You never know what you've got until its gone.

[@danielrockmyer949]

Rickles was at his top! He was on it and killing it!! 👍

[@lindathalman3506]

This sketch/bit is side splitting hilarious every 10 seconds. I watched Carson as a kid but don't think I laughed as much as my grandfather did back then. Making up for lost time now. Just thinking: I can't name one single 2022 late night talk show hosts and/or guests that are this funny. Oh do we miss "the Johnny Carson" Show.

[@meme9492]

It's amazing how the guest sitting next to Rickles does not seem to know what to make of him. He looks at times like he just wants to break out in hysterics, but isn't sure. And Rickles roasting Carson on his own show? Comedy classic.

[@mikeg6666]

This guy was the man , nobody will ever top him!

[@starlight7159]

I wouldn’t want to be sitting next to Don R!

[@harlhequim]

You only get to be that fearless when you are that good

[@johnsjohnson448]

Each time is funnier than the last when viewing this. It is both hysterically and brutally funny. Lol. Thanks so much for sharing. HILARIOUS!