Originally intended to become a serious actor, studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts; fellow classmates included Anne Bancroft, Grace Kelly and Jason Robards
Received Grammy nominations for Best Comedy Recording in 1968 for Hello, Dummy! and 1969 for Don Rickles Speaks
His brand of insult comedy earned him such nicknames as "The Merchant of Venom," "The Insultan" and "Mr
Warmth
" Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2000
Voiced the role of Mr
Potato Head in Disney's Toy Story films
Awards
2008Emmy-Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program:winner