Bob Newhart Recalls His Friendship With Don Rickles In New Documentary

Bob Newhart and Don Rickles shared a remarkable and enduring friendship that spanned several decades in the entertainment industry. The comedy legends first crossed paths in the early ’60s, a time when both were establishing themselves as comedic forces to be reckoned with. Newhart, known for his deadpan delivery and clever wit, found a kindred spirit in Rickles, whose brash, insult-driven comedy set him apart. Despite their differing comedic styles, their friendship flourished.

Their camaraderie was evident in various public appearances and interviews, where they often bantered with each other, exchanging playful jabs and witty remarks. Beyond the spotlight, they remained steadfast allies and supported each other through the highs and lows of their respective careers, offering encouragement and understanding to each other until Rickles’s passing in 2017.

A new documentary tells the story of Bob Newhart and Don Rickles’ friendship

Recently, filmmaker and producer Judd Apatow released his documentary, Bob and Don: A Love Story, which shed more light on the intricate lives of the comedic maestros. The narrative unfolds through a captivating blend of anecdotes, personal recollections, and archival footage, providing an intimate glimpse into the dynamic between these two humor icons.

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In the 20-minute video, which is currently streaming on The New Yorker website,  Newhart fondly reflected on the extraordinary bond he shared with the late Rickles, a humorist of unparalleled wit.

Bob Newhart gives details of the first time his wife, Ginnie, met Don Rickles

In the documentary, the 94-year-old fondly reminisced about his late friend, highlighting a particularly memorable moment when his wife, Ginnie, had the chance to meet Rickles for the first time. Newhart went on to explain that Ginnie, who had initially regarded the late comedian as a gentleman, was taken aback when he introduced them to the audience during his show.

“We went and we met them [Rickles and his wife Barbara] at the coffee shop at the Sahara. And Don was a pussycat. And as we’re leaving, we were going to see Don’s third show in the lounge. And Ginnie said to me, “He’s such a sweet man. He’s such a lovely man,” Newhart recalled. “I said, ‘Well, honey, it may be a little different once we get into the lounge.’ So, we got in the lounge, sat down, and he said, ‘I wanna introduce very good friends of mine, the stammering idiot from Chicago, Bob Newhart, and his hooker wife from Bayonne.”