When Two Legends Shared The Same Stage
There are celebrity roasts, and then there are moments that become part of comedy history.
Don Rickles roasting Frank Sinatra belongs firmly in the second category.
The clip comes from The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast honoring Frank Sinatra, a 1978 television special featuring an extraordinary lineup of entertainers.
Among those taking part were Ronald Reagan, Gene Kelly, George Burns, Redd Foxx, Jimmy Stewart, Flip Wilson, Telly Savalas, Jonathan Winters, Orson Welles, and many others.
But when Don Rickles gets his turn, the atmosphere changes immediately.
Frank Sinatra Was The Perfect Target
Frank Sinatra was not just another celebrity sitting in the audience.
He was one of the biggest stars in American entertainment.
He was also one of Don Rickles' longtime friends.
That friendship made Rickles' comedy even more interesting.
Rickles knew Sinatra well enough to attack him with confidence, and Sinatra understood exactly what kind of performance he was about to receive.
The relationship between them had been built over many years.
Sinatra had become an important supporter of Rickles early in the comedian's career, and the two remained close friends....
