Don Rickles on Letterman w/ Denzel Washington 2008

[@frankharvey88]

I was sent here by Bill Hader and I was NOT disappointed. Absolutely hilarious

[@Skankhunt42....]

Had seen it before, but Bill sent me for a refresher course. God, Don was amazing

[@70Slinger]

@@Skankhunt42.... This. Seen it as well, but Rickles never gets old.

[@tint1122]

Same! Was just watching Conan as well

[@jacksdad734]

Gang

[@VGx7]

Yep it’s why I’m here too

[@plef5566]

Denzel at the peak of his career, making $20 million a picture, decides to stay on after his interview just so he can fanboy out to Don Rickles.

[@KingMinosxxvi]

HES DON RICKLES!!!

[@gigid9606]

he's like, "what am up for with this guy?"

[@miklovelka6526]

Fact

[@TheBlackCrayon77]

Yeah but he's so fake. He goes a little overboard with the ass kissing. It isn't genuine. I don't know, something about it turned me off.

[@andyskiles9542]

@@TheBlackCrayon77 good luck with that.

[@bogdanmitkov3054]

The respect Denzel was showing to Don Rickles is admiring.

[@0penpress]

no the admiration he showed was respectful

[@billyshead1339]

@@0penpress Yea. He was just naturally laughing his ass off.

[@zolnsalt]

I find it rather strange that alot of the comments in here talk about how respectful Denzel was toward Don, like it was amazing that he wasnt offended by him or something...I am pretty sure Denzel knew what he was getting before Don came out.

[@towmater7081]

Don Rickles in my time and Denzels time was the greatest everyone who knew him loved him . So yeah Denzel probably loved him also

[@ThekiBoran]

@@zolnsalt Denzel's ear to ear grin just before Rickles comes out indicates that he knew he was in for a treat. That's part of why this clip is so enjoyable. A major star is excited like a kid on Christmas morning because he got to share a stage with Rickles.

[@LizaFan]

"They're all DEAD. Stop being NERVOUS!" I shamelessly repeat this all the time.

[@SZRcrew]

The fact that he knew Denzel was directing at that time and that his son John David was playing football is a key detail. He knew what everyone in Hollywood was doing and it made his roasts relevant, but also showed how much he cared.

[@mattkonetski9818]

I suspect he met Denzel in the green room, asked a few question, and had Denzel laughing....notice when he comes out Mr. Washington is ear to ear smiles.

[@APLoanMarket]

@@mattkonetski9818 Denzel also was interviewed before him, so very likely he discussed those things during the interview, and Don just watched in the greenroom.

[@Augustus99100]

Don talked to DW.son on phone in green room. Watch DW interview.on same show.

[@bobdixon4998]

Don was a champion of Everyman. You knew he loved you when he insulted you or waved you off and rolled his eyes 😂 god bless him. He would be 98 now. Our WW2 vets are going away so fast now. God bless them all. I was a big fan of Rickles. He was at his best at a roast. For real fans there's a big write up on Mr Rickles on Wikipedia. Full of info.

[@blkusa9864]

Notice the respect Denzel shows by waiting for Don to sit before him. He has a reputation for being a total gentleman and it's pretty obvious.

[@rexxxkumanova9685]

BLK USA true ive noticed him

[@sirloin7633]

He is a good house boy. Someone trained him well.

[@teller1290]

Denzel sat first.

[@thewkovacs316]

@@sirloin7633 stop that.

[@sirloin7633]

@@thewkovacs316 he's a good boy, a very good boy.

[@lb5368]

Who else is here from Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend with Bill Hader? 😂

[@zacharyqueyrouze6604]

Yep

[@RebeltubeStation]

pretty much

[@siggylloyd3566]

No I saw this when it first aired but I'll check out the podcast--didn't know Conan knew of this appearance.

[@dvdhound79]

As soon as he mentioned it, I hit pause and came here.

[@Lark1610]

@@siggylloyd3566 He didn't, Hader recommended it to Conan.

[@TWS-pd5dc]

Denzel here looks like he's having the best time ever!

[@kevinreedy8978]

He started laughing before Don came out that’s how funny he was

[@LuisGonzalez-dq4bg]

Indeed 😂

[@radupopescu2370]

When you're with Don Rickles, there is no other option.

[@asdrubalanibal6853]

Sitting next to a then living legend and already a National treasure. Genius, humor, wit, charisma, charm and warmth, all rolled up into one.

[@AjitAdonisManilal]

@@radupopescu2370 Especially if you don't want a horse head in your bed, Rickles knows people going back decades. Especially Hollywood back then.

[@PsiNorm]

Everyone talking about how respectful Denzel was this interview, but I love the knee slap Don gives Denzel before the break. It looks like a break in character and genuine emotional gesture.

[@mateowannacomedyremasterz6605]

Well said

[@Onelegisenough]

Absolutely..hear hear!...I caught that. Don actually was one of the nicest ppl in Hollywood

[@waynepolo6193]

Oh, it’s not a break in character. It’s absolutely part and parcel to his charm, because it’s _sincere._ Sort of like how prank shows would just be cruel if not for the “reveal” at the end, bringing the person in on the joke so that they’re laughing _with_ not being laughed AT. That knee slap is Rickles saying, “You know I love ya, kid. It’s all in good fun. Thank you for being a sport.”

[@BCSExpress1]

2025 is here, and I've never seen Denzel Washington laugh so hard! Don Rickles getting belly laughs at his age is incredible.

[@chrisch7662]

"I talk to him cause i can go someplace with him" 😂

[@josephcox178]

Just about everybody wanted to get shit on by Don Rickles and most of them did.

[@candaceharrison58]

the funniest part

[@Rooster792]

Denzel asked to stay and sit with Don. Denzel was a huge star and sat there and replied with "yes sir" to Don. Respect

[@jimlynch4336]

He gets it. Love it!

[@mldiode]

I like that Denzel is cracking up as David is introducing Don Rickles. Denzel is just so happy to be with Don.

[@Biotoze]

Don Rickles actually KNEW people. So when he hit you with a line it was love. Don knew about Denzel’s directing and son and everything. What a special dude

[@cluelessbeats]

Amazing to think Rickles was 82 here - he's got more fire and life in him than 99% of young comedians today

[@ThatDangerousWolf]

cluelessbeats RIP ♥️

[@zlinedavid]

I can hear him from here: "I'm still sharper than half of ya....and I'm dead!"

[@teller1290]

Maybe 84? This is 2011(?) and he passed in 2017.

[@newmanoutdoors1564]

True

[@hiddensword9387]

@@teller1290 i don't know why it says 2011, this is 2008 because it was just after The Gangster came out, which was 2007.

[@BlerinaVigu]

The first time I see D.W excited as a child. No one is big enough to Don Rickles.

[@sassyest8292]

Bill Hader mentioned this to Conan, and so I am here. Don Rickles 🙌 he was so quick-witted, amazing

[@マシュードーラン]

Welcome to Earth…who cares?

[@joepesci43]

I like how Denzel immediately starts laughing before Rickles comes out. He knows he's going to have a good time. ❤

[@CavanOGrady413]

I love at 10:17 when Rickles breaks for a moment and you can see there's genuine affection between him and Dave.

[@RollingOrmond]

Something about an old Jewish guy and a black guy repeatedly hugging is very heart-warming.

[@fullsleevedshirt]

Yeah, most slave owners were Jewish. Nice to see black people are on equal footing now.

[@БогданМироненко-э9й]

@@fullsleevedshirt oh my god... All Jews ? Logic the same as nazi had

[@fullsleevedshirt]

@@БогданМироненко-э9й "most slave owners". Never said all. This does not automatically make one a despicable Nazi.

[@Vader-gt6yc]

RamK J most slave owners were not jewish. Most Jews in America (which they’re weren’t that many back then) owned slaves

[@adelhartreisig9020]

@@fullsleevedshirt Not so nice to see the world's still full of stupid, ignorant ass..... like you.

[@gorkmusic]

The way Denzel stares at Don with admiration is everything.

[@WorldwideWyatt]

Between Dave, Denzel, and Don there’s an incredible amount of talent on that stage. This is the kinda thing KZbin was made for.

[@2ndarmoredhellonwheels106]

Denzel was acting like a kid meeting his hero lol.

[@bongobongo985]

Denzel was speechless. amazing

[@TheRobbs]

Denzel is a class act! Don Rickels is a legend!

[@erikpinillo6082]

Why's he sitting here? Does he have to clean up? Gets me everything 🤣🤣🤣

[@pchan0368]

I read that Washington never sticks around on late night shows or leaves immediately after performing in plays on-stage, so him sitting there to meet Rickles is very endearing.

[@bgchal4662]

from when he joked about the stuttering of dave to when dave stuttered a second time, brilliant. He made a hilarious joke the first stutter and u notice when dave stutters a second time, the whole audience and denzel and dave laugh and realize it and don goes straight into a separate joke. He didnt even have to bring it up again. So smart

[@yourmother3207]

Dave did it on purpose

[@linus7872]

​@@yourmother3207nah

[@alvilla9659]

@@yourmother3207 you think so ?

[@mtnfraggle]

​@@alvilla9659I don't think he did.

[@benny6manks]

The mutual respect is class act! Especially from Don to Denzel...

[@tyronevaldez-kruger5313]

True. You can tell that Don roasted Letterman hard to give Denzel a good time

[@jodiwilson7299]

I've never seen Denzel Washington laugh like that before !!!

[@CountofBeretania]

The hardest I’ve seen Denzel laugh - the reverence he had for Don.

[@nslater1388]

It’s funny hearing Denzel say “Yes sir!” with such respect because he’s sitting across from an older man, when these days he tends to be the oldest one being interviewed.

[@goodbadbill]

It seems like Don is also blessed to be with Denzel because he diverts his attention to him throughout the interview.

[@Grandview6613]

Rickles was a legend! Of course Denzel wanted to hang out!

[@webname8886]

Nobody in that theater enjoyed that more than Denzel

[@adamedwards5503]

I still watch this all the time. He really loves Denzel. Very cool to watch

[@cme3688]

I love how Denzel starts laughing before he even comes out. 😂😂😂

[@stevehislop]

I think Denzel knew exactly at that moment in time, that this opportunity was unique and appreciated Don Rickles for what he was: Entertainment Royalty.Dan was a true King of Comedy.A Giant.Also a relict from the golden times of late night entertainment. He basically lived at The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.He toured with Frank Sinatra for decades. And then, Don Rickles took charge so much, everybody in the room could only be in awe of him. What a performance. If anybody is THAT sharp with 85 years of age...by God....what a man Don Rickles was. "The man picking the cotton?We´ll fake it"...I could barely breath because of laughter."Alzheimer ...Alzheimer...the Glasses are fogging up! There is medication for this".He was in utter control of the show, the moment he walked through the curtain. I truly love and miss Don Rickles.

[@shihanuke3683]

A Jew Patton ! Hilarious.

[@DiplomatTravelCo]

Denzel couldn't hold back his joy before Don came on. Smiling like a little kid.

[@stevemontelbon6530]

Look at how giddy Denzel was during the introduction. He definitely loves him :)

[@jjkcharlie]

Everytime Mr Washington refers to Denzel, he. Says yes sir

[@TWS-pd5dc]

There simply will never, ever be another Don Rickles. God rest his soul, he brought all of us laughs for over 50 years. And was one of the sweetest, kindest men on the planet.

[@pike8840]

Greatest Roaster Ever

[@RickDonahue]

DON RICKLIES Is a National Treasure ❤

[@virdewindersingh13]

"i say funny things about him coz he is dead" oh my god😂😂😂😂

[@andredessureau2644]

Don is so sharp, Denzel is so happy, and Dave is so go with the flow....magic!

[@Hellboy-vh5db]

Denzel is classic old school ! You can see his genuine respect for Don... yes sir! Standing up till he is seated!! Both of them are legends!!!

[@antrimlariot2386]

Because what Don does, he doesn't have the option of a second take. He's working Dave & Denzel & the cameras & the audience. Denzel's done Shakespearean theatre - he respects Don's work and Dave who works a nightly audience.

[@chuyhou]

Denzel was laughing , as Dave was introducing Don, he knew he was in for something special

[@VivekAnandJ]

Don mopped the floor with Letterman and rverybody including Leterman loved it 😂😂😂

[@antrimlariot2386]

Dave & Denzel are just fans pinching themselves that they're so lucky to be there.

[@charliecovert576]

Denzel is like Ed McMahon, laughing and enjoying the attention/insults Rickles gave him. Denzel is a class act.

[@Yaboi89]

Just found out about Don and MAN he is exactly the type of humor we need in this world.

[@TheRobbs]

I’ve watched this video 100 times, and still in awe of Mr Denzel Washington. Extremely talented, humble and has class that is severely lacking today. Thank you Mr. Washington for your excellence and class.

[@JoeyJoeJoe87]

Dude, he was just sitting there laughing at his jokes no differently to the entire audience.

[@TheRobbs]

Budbrain He is different. Mr. Washington has an accomplished acting career. That’s more than most of us can say. I’m not saying he’s better or worse than anyone else. But, he deserves respect due to his actions. Which, as you wrote, he just sat there. Next question?

[@peterKåwe]

I was in awe of Rickles...what a life, what a Quick mind. ...that story with Sinatra in Monaco, Increable, damn photographers 😅

[@MetalizedButt]

@@TheRobbsthe highlight here is not Denzel, it’s Don

[@TheRobbs]

@@MetalizedButt I’ve got jock itch! What’s your point?

[@albertseabra8993]

Rickles was fabulous! His stories. the abrasive, aggressive style -- and yet, he was a sweet person. Denzel and Leterman really had fun with his outbursts. RIP, Don Rickles.

[@PostUp_Time]

*DON RICKLES WAS FANTASTIC. WORLD WILL NEVER SEE ANOTHER CRAFTY COMEDIAN LIKE DON RICKLES. SO GLAD GOT TO SEE HIM TWICE LIVE, PERFORMING WITH JOAN RIVERS AT FOXWOODS CASINO*

[@amitbenjam]

I was already dying at 0:45 and Don hadn’t even started talking yet. What a legend

[@AttilatheThrilla]

“That joke could cost me” 🤣🤣

[@coolpetsportugal947]

Denzel wanted to be there is just a surprise for some. He stated several years before this show that Pryor and Rickles were, by far, his favourite comedians.

[@1blastman]

Good taste in comedy.

[@bassinbillRC5300]

Listen to an upload of Richard Pryor's record titled: "That Nigger's Crazy" I bought it and George Carlin's Class Clown same store, same day!!

[@1blastman]

@@bassinbillRC5300 I have the Pryor record, it's hilarious, I listen to it whenever I get depressed over the state of humor today in America. I've heard Carlin's record which is great.

[@adnanchaudri102]

8:08 best moment in talk show history

[@majorhemroid]

I love Denzel just laughing his butt off before Rickles comes out. I would be too. "Let the roasting hilarity begin!"

[@Visong3]

I like how Denzel smiles knowing who is coming. Very honest

[@geraldjuvejr.6171]

Like fine wine....he got better with age. And like pretty much all entertainers from that era....classy.

[@Tres_Nueve]

04:04 "I talk to him because I can go some place with him" 😂😂😂😂

[@nathanpitek3177]

Genuinely one of the funniest men to ever live still at the peak of his powers. You can watch this 100 times and still piss yourself

[@keirancrawford3251]

Denzil laughing before he comes out because he knows the comedy genius is about arrive

[@y-unespynchonesky9708]

I miss Don.

[@k.padraigokane1472]

God YES

[@MrRainbowMango]

Y-unes Pynchonesky I wish he were still here too.

[@cokiea57]

Anyone would have gladly given him a kidney. I don't understand why he didn't ask.

[@cherylwilloughby7774]

❤❤❤ He was Great !!!

[@cherylwilloughby7774]

All of Them !!!😂😂

[@Boski391]

If you are having a bad day, I highly recommend. God Bless Don.

[@ronsandlin9618]

What a precious piece of video

[@マシュードーラン]

Denzel knew that was a once in a lifetime opportunity and he wasn’t going ANYWHERE! Legends like Don were hard to come by as time goes on!

[@alexandrumuntean3813]

Every story Mr Rickles tell,they are about gangster and wise people, and are funny as hell. The respect he’s showing (DW) says everything about Mr Rickles

[@neaituppi7306]

You know this has been searched for, when I didn't even finish writing rickle's name and the entire description for this episode popped up.

[@StarkNetwork666]

He was sitting there after his section was finished, just because he wanted to meet don rickles. That's respect.

[@dennismackey1414]

Don to Denzel..." That's a great expression ...do that in a movie!!' ( Don looking dazed! )....couldn't stop laughing!! Dave and Denzel as well!!😂😂😂😂😂

[@Elektrolix-69]

Denzel looked so excited ha

[@Oblic008]

What an absolute legend.

[@ericechols7638]

Denzel began laughing before Don, even came out on stage. No doubt, Don will make you laugh. Don was the Ultimate comedian and one of my favourites since childhood. No p.c. garbage going on with Mr. Rickles! He is & will be truly be missed. 🙂😄😅😀😂🤣

[@mambamentalitymyers_1786]

yes I sure enjoy don rickles, he is the greatest comedian of all time! you ask him!!

[@kevinreedy8978]

“Why you pointing I’m here” omg HAHAHAH

[@aavaib]

Never gets old no matter how many times I watch it.

[@burtmann3921]

Great TV moment. We don't see anything like this anymore Thank you to YT for these special moments for all to enjoy

[@duaneoldfield]

Denzel knew it was going to be worth hanging around 😂😂😂 Much respect to both

[@keirancrawford3251]

Denzel Washington is such a gentleman the respect he has for don

[@alirezataghizadeh7070]

"They're all dead stop being nervous" would be the best clue for you if you're looking for any ...

[@Hasan9t]

The mutual appreciation of two A-listers in different fields from different generations is really sweet

[@twilightzone-1959-4ever]

Born in 1949 and have seen some terrific actors; Clark Gable, Burt Lancaster, Jack Lemon, John Wayne Charles Bronson, Charles Laughton , Steve McQueen and the finest one of this generation- Denzel Washington. You can't take your eyes off of him or not listen to what he says when he's on the screen...he's just that good...

[@johnforand8340]

Ohhhh ,I'm bigger than him..... Classic

[@haroldthomas9994]

Saw this when it originally aired. Loved the fact that Denzel wanted to stay, Dave wanted him to stay, and Don had 2 guys he could just tear up. Like Denzel and Dave, I could not stop laughing.

[@JayD_5446]

“What are you, a detective?!”

[@rarethen9]

hahahaha classic

[@barrythatcher9349]

That's Don's line for all late night hosts.

[@SpeegBJ]

Denzel is laughing so hard at times I don't recognize him. He's love loving Rickles and so is Dave. Absolutely hilarious.

[@alirezataghizadeh7070]

"we own the club and we do what they tell us" omg this guy is fucking too damn good I can't

[@jennybasa5817]

Have you seen the one with Tom Snyder? I'm not sure but I think it is Tom Snyder on his late late show interview. He asked Don was anyone exempted from being the butt of his insults? Without missing a beat, Don said the pope because jews sold him the hats. Then he added... did you notice how the pope keeps moving his hat? That's why there's a always a jew behind him saying, "Hey Lou! He needs another one!" It cracked me up so much.

[@terryjohnson9019]

the best 12 minutes in talk show history Denzel and Dave had the time of their lives

[@markketello5757]

Denzel is all class, one of my favorites, one for his talent, and two for not shoving opinion and politics down anyone's throat..how damned refreshing is that?

[@TrineSmith-y8p]

Mannnnn I would've loved to be there with Rickles, Washington & Letterman. ALL LEGENDS!!!

[@Grandview6613]

The respect and mutual admiration between Don and Denzel. Love it!

[@Jake-d8d]

Don Rickles is a legend, but it's heartening to see Denzel having the time of his life.

[@troyestepp4827]

I’d kill to have 10 seconds of the pure joy Denzel had during this

[@Crazymike1975]

TV Classic Moment: David Letterman, Denzel Washington and Don Prickles.🏆🏆🏆🏆🙌🙌🙌🙌. RIP Don Rickles.

[@rexhargrove5172]

The respect the biggest Hollywood star Mr Washington gave him. Wow!

[@tylermccune7092]

Seeing somebody as composed as Denzel absolutely losing his mind is just hysterical

[@PostUp_Time]

5:33 *HILARIOUS😂😂😂* 10/5/2024

[@brandongreene3213]

And a month later!

[@lukezuzga6460]

Bring back late night television like this and I'll start watching again!

[@zidaneilyas3329]

I love Denzel Washington. I love him. I respect him.

[@0penpress]

the last of the true entertainers.

[@Redmenace96]

Oh my! Tears in my eyes and snot coming out of my nose. Rickles is pure gold. Dave was laffing too hard to control the show! His stories about Sinatra are so funny that I only believe half of them are true.