Good Day Everyone!
Today’s Throwback Thursday with the Sahara, Las Vegas, September 1967, via Vintage Las Vegas.
Notice Don Rickles on the billboard ! Did you know Don Rickles debuted in the Sahara Lounge ?
For those who aren’t familiar with Don Rickles, he’s a long time stand-up comedian and actor in movies, such as the hilarious Kelly’s Heroes, co-staring Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas, Donald Sutherland and Carol O’Connor.
Kelly’s Heroes – It’s one movie you must see! Place it on your bucketlist.
Don has beaten us all when it comes to being a Vegas Lover. He loves Vegas!
He’s been going to Vegas for 56 consecutive years. And at 89 years old, there’s no reason for him to retire because his love for stand-up comedy. He was first noticed by Frank Sinatra while in Miami, way back in 1957. Actually it was Don Rickles who pointed out Frank during his routine comedy show at the nightclub, saying,” Make yourself at home, Frank. Hit somebody.”
If there’s one thing about Don Rickles comedy, he takes no prisoners when pointing out his audiences. Doesn’t matter where you are in the crowd, he’s sure to place you under fire during his comedy routine, if he feels fit. Doesn’t matter race, colour, or if your a Martian, he’ll point you out, totally embarrassing you.
But, what’s fun, his viewers can’t wait to be picked!
From Canadians, Japanese, Germans to Martians, if you’re on his radar, watch out! LOL. Of course, all in fun making everyone laugh and laugh some more. Even Frank Sinatra couldn’t get away from poking fun at him. But, this is the thing about it, Frank loved his performances and encouraged everyone to go see Don Rickles.
Since then Don has been in the mix of great performers, such as Dean Martin, Bob Hope, Bob Newhart, Sammy Davis Jr. , George Burns, Jack Benny and the list goes on. Don was even the Roastmaster of the famous Dean Martin Celebrity Roast, which became very popular.
In 1974, the Dean Martin Celebrity Roast was stationed, where else? But at the MGM Grand Hotel’s Ziegfeld Room in Las Vegas. What better place for Roastmaster Don Rickles to be.
Home away from home – Las Vegas!
He still make appearances at the Orleans Hotel, Las Vegas. And for his 90th birthday, you can celebrate with him on March 23, 2016, at the Ruth Eckerd Hall,Clearwater, FL.hosted by Regis Philbin. Without a doubt, Don Rickles is a fun loving comedian and a great actor, who’s been going to Vegas since 1959. Now that’s truly vintage Las Vegas, wouldn’t you say? Soon to be 90 years old and still going strong!
Have you had a chance to go see Don Rickles, while in Vegas? If not, I would make a point to go see him. Check out more about Don Rickles!
As always – See YOU in Vegas ! Please join me on Facebook – Loving Vegas.
By Bari Demers – freelance writer and screenwriter
Dreams and Reality 
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