There are comedy moments that feel carefully rehearsed.
Then there are moments where two great performers simply start playing off each other and the entire scene becomes unpredictable.
That is what makes Don Rickles and Dean Martin such an entertaining combination.
Rickles had built his reputation around sharp, fearless insult comedy, while Martin had a relaxed performance style that made his reactions feel effortless.
Put the two together and you get exactly the kind of classic television comedy that still makes people laugh decades later.
THE PERFECT COMEDY PARTNERSHIP
Don Rickles and Dean Martin had a long association that went beyond a single television appearance.
Rickles was a frequent presence around the Las Vegas entertainment world and became closely connected with entertainers including Martin, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Carson, and Bob Newhart.
Rickles himself later discussed those friendships in Rickles' Book, his memoir published by Simon & Schuster.
That history helps explain why their exchanges often feel less like two actors reading lines and more like friends trying to make each other laugh.
RICKLES KNEW HOW TO PUSH A JOKE
Don Rickles' comedy was built around timing....
