Served in the U.S. Navy in World War II; honorably discharged in 1946

Appeared as stand-up comedian in nightclubs in the U.S.

Big break came at the Slate Brothers, a Los Angeles nightclub

Feature film debut in the submarine drama "Run Silent, Run Deep"

Appeared in the popular "Beach Party" film series, with Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon in the 1960s

First appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" (NBC)

Made frequent appearances on "The Dean Martin Show" (NBC) and became a fixture on Martin's roast specials

Released the live comedy album Hello, Dummy!

Starred in his own variety show "The Don Rickles Show" (ABC) with Pat McCormick as his sidekick

Had a notable role as the con man Sgt. Crapgame in the hit film "Kelly's Heroes"

Starred in the CBS sitcom "The Don Rickles Show"

Played title role in the NBC sitcom "C.P.O. Sharkey"

Performed with singer Steve Lawrence in several Las Vegas concerts in the early 1980s

Co-hosted (with Steve Lawrence) the short-lived ABC series "Foul-Ups, Bleeps & Blunders"

Performed with Frank Sinatra at Ronald Reagan's Second Inaugural Ball

Received critical praise for his dramatic role in John Landis' "Innocent Blood"

Starred in another short-lived sitcom, "Daddy Dearest" (FOX) with comedian Richard Lewis

Returned to features as Robert De Niro's trusted colleague in Martin Scorsese's "Casino"

Lent his voice to the character of Mr. Potato Head in the Pixar film "Toy Story"

First appearance at NYC's Carnegie Hall

Once again voiced the character of Mr. Potato Head for "Toy Story 2"

Received star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (October 17)

Cast opposite William H. Macy in the TNT special, "The Wool Cap," as an elderly tenant

Published his memoir, Rickles' Book

Received first Emmy for his HBO documentary, "Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project"; directed by John Landis