Rickles' Letters

A laugh-out-loud collection of outrageously funny open letters from Don Rickles, the legendary master of insult comedy.

From the undisputed king of insult comedy comes a hilarious collection of outrageous letters that only Don Rickles could write. In Rickles’ Letters, the legendary comedian turns his razor-sharp wit loose on celebrities, politicians, historical figures, and everyday annoyances in a series of laugh-out-loud open letters packed with sarcasm, charm, and classic Rickles-style jabs.

Whether he’s offering unsolicited advice to Queen Elizabeth, taking aim at Hollywood stars, or apologizing to Mrs. Lincoln for her “rough night” at Ford’s Theatre, Rickles delivers the fearless humor and quick-fire one-liners that made him an entertainment icon for decades.

Perfect for longtime fans and newcomers alike, Rickles’ Letters is a fast, wildly entertaining read that celebrates the art of the roast with affection, absurdity, and nonstop laughs.

Don Rickles (1926–2017) was a comedian and actor. Born in Queens, New York, he rose to fame in the 1960s with his sharp wit and fearless brand of humor. Rickles became a fixture on late-night television, a beloved guest of Johnny Carson and David Letterman, and a regular performer in Las Vegas. Beyond stand-up, he enjoyed a successful acting career, appearing in films such as Kelly’s Heroes and Casino, and voicing Mr. Potato Head in Pixar’s Toy Story franchise.

David Ritz is a songwriter who has collaborated with stars like Janet Jackson and Marvin Gaye, as well as a renowned ghostwriter who has authored more than fifty books for some of the biggest stars in music: Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Ray Charles, Lenny Kravitz, Joe Perry, Smokey Robinson, Don Rickles, and Willie Nelson, to name a few. His articles have appeared in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Essence, People, Art Connoisseur, and elsewhere. He lives in Los Angeles with Roberta, his wife of nearly fifty years.