LOS ANGELES – Fans and admirers of the legendary stand-up comic Don Rickles may bid on personal belongings from his beautifully appointed Los Angeles estate, which he shared with his wife Barbara, at Abell Auction on Thursday, January 13 and Friday, January 14. The live online sale will feature assorted Toy Story film memorabilia, performance tuxedos, annotated scripts, signed sports collectibles, celebrity photographs and fine furniture. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.
Rickles’ career performing insult comedy spanned six decades, during which he made fun of nearly everyone he encountered – ranging from Hollywood celebrities and public figures to television audiences and Las Vegas showroom crowds. His fame as a headline performer at Las Vegas hotels skyrocketed after he met Frank Sinatra during a show in 1957, marking the beginning of a lifelong personal friendship. One of the highlights of Rickles’ career was accompanying Sinatra for a comedy routine at the second inaugural ball of President Ronald Reagan in 1985.
Rickles’ comedic success led to many movie roles and television appearances. His film credits include Run Silent, Run Deep (1958), Enter Laughing (1967), Kelly’s Heroes (1970) and Casino (1995). Starting in 1995, he provided the voice of Mr. Potato Head in the Toy Story franchise. Following his death in 2017 at the age of 90, Rickles’ voice was featured in Toy Story 4 using previous footage and recordings to honor his memory.
During his legendary career, Rickles also appeared in television episodes of The Twilight Zone, The Andy Griffith Show, The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Beverly Hillbillies, Gilligan’s Island, I Dream of Jeannie, Get Smart and many others. He was a frequent guest on talk and variety shows, including The Dean Martin Show, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Late Show with David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Each article from Don and Barbara Rickles’ Mediterranean-style estate captures a glimpse into the performer’s incredible life, career and personal interests. An array of embossed cards from major venues where Rickles performed and a collection of celebrity photographs with circa-1960s ink inscriptions will be among the one-of-a-kind items offered. The photographs feature celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Zsa Zsa Gabor, Sidney Poitier, Ernest Borgnine, Betty Grable, Milton Berle, Red Buttons, Anthony Quinn, Joan Collins, Johnny Weissmuller, Ann Rutherford, Cyd Charisse, Lauren Bacall and Ann Miller.
Highlighted pieces from the sale include a Friars Club 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award, estimated at $800-$1,200; a 2012 Johnny Carson Award, estimated at $600-$800; a custom-bound photo album, estimated at $500-$700; a model Hall of Famer signed bat, estimated at $1,000-$1,500; a multi-player signed first baseman’s mitt, estimated at $1,000-$1,500; a Willie Mays-signed and inscribed baseball, estimated at $800-$1,200; a 1976 Yankees baseball signed by Thurman Munson and others, estimated at $500-$700; a Neoclassic console table, estimated at $800-$1,200; and lacquered wood and metal-mounted trunk, estimated at $300-$500.
“Abell is honored to present a stunning collection of items from the longtime Los Angeles residence of Don Rickles, whose comedic genius and contributions to the entertainment industry are indelibly marked in history,” said Senior Vice-President of Business Development Joe Baratta. “This is an opportunity for both fans and collectors to acquire unique items representing his diverse career and accomplishments, as well as treasured belongings from the longtime Los Angeles home he shared with his wife Barbara.”
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