“After I graduated, I tried Broadway, which was difficult for me. It was tough to get a part on Broadway, so I just started talking to audiences at different social gatherings, and little by little I became Don Rickles - whatever that is.”

Don Rickles was an American comedian and actor known for his sharp, often abrasive humor and signature "You're killin' me, Smoky!" catchphrase. He became famous for his improvisational comedy routines and his work as a comedian on late-night television and in films.