Don Rickles was known as an insult comic–and everyone was fair game. From royalty to personal friends, Rickles was cheekily dubbed “Mr. Warmth.” Behind the scenes, he was a husband and father, in addition to being a talented comic and friend to many. It was considered an honor to be the object of Rickles’ jokes.

Michael Seth Starr’s Don Rickles: The Merchant of Venom is a biography that guides readers through Rickles’ life, documenting his many transitions across mediums. While he appeared in numerous films and television shows, he was a gifted stage performer and experienced strong success in the Las Vegas nightclub circuit. Rickles connected with audiences across multiple generations, entertaining during the Golden Age of Hollywood and appearing in the Toy Story films much later in his life.

Starr’s work offers a well-researched and thorough overview of Rickles’ unique style of comedy and impact as a comedian.

Don Rickles: The Merchant of Venom is available for purchase via Citadel Press.