- 00:14 Foster Brooks pays tribute to Don Rickles in a roast.
- 01:11 Brooks jokes about having an indirect relationship with Rickles by humorously mentioning fooling around with Rickles’ wife.
- 02:09 He compliments Rickles’ spouse and humorously teases about running out of scotch and needing pretzels at Rickles’ home.
- 03:17 Brooks jokes about watching Rickles on TV without sound and laughing.
- 04:19 He humorously suggests that he answered Rickles’ wife’s ad in the Hollywood Free Press, leading to their getting together.
- 04:47 Brooks teases Rickles’ wife, mentioning her snoring, and jokingly refers to her as “Mrs. Right Here” and “the turkey.”
Note: The transcript contains humorous and light-hearted roasting content.
At precisely 00:14, Foster Brooks took the stage with his signature tipsy act, instantly bringing smiles to the faces of the audience. He raised his glass and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we gather to celebrate the one and only Don Rickles! God bless him, and may he keep us laughing up there!”
The crowd erupted with laughter and applause, setting the tone for the evening. Brooks began recounting some unforgettable memories shared with Rickles, both on and off the stage. At 01:11, he shared a playful anecdote, saying, “You know, Don and I had quite an indirect relationship. I once caught myself fooling around with his wife, but before you get any ideas, it was all in good humour!”
The audience roared with laughter, understanding the light-hearted jest. Brooks continued to keep the audience in stitches as he complimented Rickles’ spouse, saying, “Ah, Mrs. Rickles, what a lovely lady she is! Don’t let her charm fool you, though. When we were at his place once, we ran out of scotch. Can you believe it? I had to ask for pretzels instead!”
The room was filled with laughter, and the camaraderie between the two comedians shone through. At 03:17, Foster Brooks took a sip from his drink and chuckled, “You know, folks, I sometimes watch Don on TV without sound, and I still find myself laughing. He doesn’t even need to speak to be funny!”
As the night went on, Brooks continued to entertain the crowd with his quick wit. At 04:19, he playfully suggested, “Let me tell you how it all began, folks. I answered Mrs. Rickles’ ad in the Hollywood Free Press. ‘Wanted: A man who can make me laugh.’ And well, the rest is history!”
The audience erupted into laughter, thoroughly enjoying the comedic banter. At 04:47, Brooks couldn’t resist teasing Don’s wife a bit more, saying, “Oh, but don’t let me get started on Mrs. Right Here! That woman’s snoring can wake up the whole neighbourhood. Don’t worry, Don, I’m just kidding. She’s the turkey that keeps you going!”
Throughout the night, Foster Brooks showcased his deep affection for Don Rickles, and the tribute turned into a joyous celebration of their friendship and shared love for making people laugh. As the evening came to a close, the crowd gave them a standing ovation, appreciating the talent and humour of both comedians.
And so, with hearts full of laughter and memories to cherish, the night of Foster Brooks’ tribute to Don Rickles became a legendary event in the annals of comedy history. For in that room, for that fleeting moment, the magic of laughter bound them all together, and the legacy of these two great comedians continued to live on in the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to witness the magic unfold.
Profile on Foster Brooks
Brooks rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s with his unique comedic style of impersonating an inebriated individual. He would playfully exaggerate slurred speech, stumble around, and act as if he had consumed copious amounts of alcohol. Despite never drinking in real life, Brooks mastered the art of portraying a drunken character convincingly, which earned him widespread recognition and popularity.
One of his most famous appearances was on various television shows and comedy specials, including multiple appearances on “The Dean Martin Show.” He also made guest appearances on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” and other popular shows of that era. Additionally, Brooks featured in films and worked in other television productions.
Brooks’ humour was a hit with audiences, and he became a well-loved comedian during his career. While his comedy centred around portraying a drunk, he was regarded as a clean and family-friendly performer, with his act relying on gentle, playful humour rather than offensive content.
Foster Brooks left a lasting impression on the comedy world, and his legacy lives on through recordings of his performances and the influence he had on later generations of comedians.