Comedian Don Rickles has died at age 90

Don Rickles was known as the world’s greatest insult comic.

Variety reports the the Emmy Award winner died at his Los Angeles home and would have turned 91 next month.

Rickles was known for his ‘insult comedy’ and began his career by performing in nightclubs.

In 1965 an appearance on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson gave him his national breakthrough and he quickly became a regular guest.

He made his film debut in the 1958 drama Run Silent Run Deep and became a regular on Dean Martin’s Celebrity Roasts, as well as appearing on a number of late-night talk shows.

He also appeared in various beach movies with Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon.

More recently he became a familiar voice to many after also voicing Mr Potato Head in the Toy Story franchise.

In an interview with CNN’s Larry King in 1993 Rickles said he didn’t know what being politically correct meant.

“I make fun of the world,” Rickles said. “You know that. And if you know how to handle that and you treat people — and you make fun of yourself, hey, it’s not offensive.”

According to his publicist his death was a result of kidney failure.

Rickles’ funeral service will be private, a statement announcing his death said.

Actor Bob Newhart issued a statement in honour of Rickles.

“He was called ‘The Merchant of Venom,’ but in truth, he was one of the kindest, caring and most sensitive human beings we have ever known,”

“We are devastated and our world will never be the same.”

What do you remember Don Rickles in the most?