TV writer and producer Larry Rickles, the only son of comedian Don Rickles, died Dec. 3 in Los Angeles at 41 of complications from pneumonia.
The younger Rickles worked in the entertainment industry throughout his professional career. He began by working in production and then became a writer for CBS sitcom "Murphy Brown" in 1997.
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In 2007 he co-produced a documentary about his father, then past 80, titled, “Mr. Warmth: “The Don Rickles Project,” in which clips from the elder Rickles’ stand-up show were interspersed with comments by friends and colleagues in the entertainment industry. The film, directed by John Landis won the younger Rickles and three co-producers an Emmy award in 208.
Rickles was initially reluctant to be the subject of a film, but later said that his son’s participation is what convinced him to agree to participate. "In a magical moment, it all came together," Don Rickles said in a 2008 book, "Rickles’ Letters." "The fact that it’s a father-and-son project makes it one of the highlights of my life."
The Eulogizer highlights the life accomplishments of famous and not-so-famous Jews who have passed away recently. Write to the Eulogizer at eulogizer@jta.org.
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